BOSS Scott Parker admits Lloyd Kelly's display on the ball "wasn't anywhere near what we expect" against Peterborough, but insisted his captain produced an "immense" second-half display.

Some frustration from Cherries' fans during the disappointing 1-1 draw with Posh was aimed towards Kelly, with many of his passes going astray.

The 23-year-old has been a mainstay of the side all season, since being given the captain's armband by Parker in the summer. He initially served as stand-in skipper with Steve Cook out the side, before being handed that role on a permanent basis in January when Cook left the club to join Nottingham Forest.

Kelly has made 28 Championship appearances this season, of Cherries' 33, playing a big role in their promotion push.

Despite his importance to the side, Kelly is the youngest of the 24 captains in the entire division.

Asked how he feels the former England under-21 international is handling the situation and pressure of leading the team during the crunch time in the season, Parker told the Daily Echo: "He’s been brilliant in that sense.

"I thought he was immense second half on Tuesday. Not his general play. I see what everyone else could see – kicking balls out of play at times.

"His passing wasn’t anywhere near what we expect from Lloyd Kelly.

"But what I did see, I saw someone who was doing everything in his power, trying to drive the team, trying to push the team, going into the attacking third and really trying to make a stance and trying to progress and make things happen.

"Forever and a day while I’m a manager, a player that shows that commitment and has that about him to try and take that on, I can always accept someone making mistakes."

Aside from some of Kelly's passing, the former Bristol City man produced a vital last-ditch block to deny Joe Ward and ensure Cherries did at least take a point against Peterborough.

Parker continued: "Lloyd is a good type – fact. Has good values, good morals, an unbelievable professional, wants to learn constantly.

"And the other night, I was very happy with Lloyd to be honest, I was very pleased with him.

"I accepted and he would be the first if he was sitting here to say, 'my passing wasn’t on and my game with the ball at that point wasn’t great. Without the ball it was. I made some big tackles. But with the ball it wasn’t great. But, didn’t give up, I tried to push the team, I tried to get us to get the equaliser, we got that and then I tried my hardest and I was pushing and pushing and pushing to get us the winner'.

"It just wasn’t meant to be."

Kelly is expected to keep his spot alongside Nat Phillips in the heart of defence for Saturday's visit of Derby County.

Both Chris Mepham and Gary Cahill are also options in that position, having been unused substitutes on Tuesday night.