ANDONI Iraola said Cherries “could have risked” Marcos Senesi against Burnley, but felt other options were more suitable.

Chris Mepham and Illia Zabarnyi started at centre-back, with Lloyd Kelly operating from the left, and Senesi not included in the squad for the first time all season.

Discussing the Argentina international’s absence from the 2-1 win, Iraola said: “Marcos had some small issues.

“We could have risked him, but we took this decision, because (Saturday’s) gameplan was to go more aggressive.

“We knew we didn’t have a proper number six. We knew that our centre-backs would a lot of times have to follow very far. We saw Zaba and Meps follow their opponents very far.

“We have gone with the team we think can accept better these one against one duels, farther from their position.

“I wouldn’t say more physical, but more suitable for this kind of game.”