SCOTT Parker described the return to fitness of Adam Smith as a "massive boost" to Cherries, adding: "He brings a lot more than what people just see on a Saturday."

Having featured regularly during the early months of the season, Smith spent a spell on the sidelines due to injury between October and the start of December.

The 30-year-old made his return, playing 89 minutes of a 1-1 draw against Championship leaders Fulham.

However, after that contest on December 3 it transpired Smith had aggravated a knee injury and would require surgery.

Now, almost three months on, the defender is ready to return for the run-in, with Cherries seeking promotion back to the Premier League.

Asked how much of a boost it was to have Smith available again, Parker told the Daily Echo: "Big boost. Massive, massive boost.

"The quality of Adam Smith, a top player, but more just his general demeanour, his personality, just everything he brings to the team and around the place really.

"I’m buzzing to have him back, he’s going to help us immensely."

Across two spells at the club, Smith has spent around nine years in total representing Cherries.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster penned a fresh two-year deal with the club in the summer and is one of a handful of players within Cherries' squad to have experienced promotion from the Championship before.

He, along with Junior Stanislas, are the only two players remaining at Cherries from the club's title-winning squad of 2014-15 under Eddie Howe.

Asked if that experience of Smith will be vital in the final months of the season, Parker added: "Yeah, it is. We’re going to need that really.

"We’re going to need every bit of Adam Smith’s experience and quality through this run-in now to help push us to what we want to do."

Smith is set to have a battle on his hands to reclaim his starting spot.

Jack Stacey has started every league game at right-back since Smith's injury, gradually working his way back into decent form in the past few weeks.

But Cherries also signed another player who can play in that position during the January transfer window, in Ethan Laird.

The 20-year-old, who impressed with Swansea City in the first half of the campaign, arrived on loan from Manchester United but is yet to make his debut for Cherries.

Laird himself has been struggling from injury, but has now battled back from that hamstring problem.

He, like Smith, is now fit again and could be in the squad for Saturday's clash with Stoke City at Vitality Stadium (3pm).

Smith, who knew Parker from the pair's time at Tottenham, has seen off challenges of various full-backs during his near decade-long stay at Cherries, making 292 appearances.

Discussing the Londoner's longevity, Parker said: "He’s a top full-back. A top, top full-back.

"He played in the Premier League for a lot of years.

"A very, very good full-back and brings a lot more than what people just see on a Saturday.

"When he rocks out, always a 100 per cent committed professional.

"But his whole demeanour around the squad, in terms of his experience and doing things the right way is something that really pleases me as well."