HEAD coach Andoni Iraola stated that it was “very, very probable” that Cherries will recall James Hill from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.

Defender Hill has spent the first half of the 2023-24 season on loan with second-tier outfit Blackburn.

So far this campaign he has made 20 appearances for Rovers, featuring at both centre-back and right-back.

With left-backs Milos Kerkez and Lloyd Kelly still sidelined, and makeshift defender Dango Ouattara picking up an ankle injury that has threatened the Burkinabe’s call-up to AFCON, Cherries are light in defence.

Right-backs Adam Smith and Max Aarons have previously played at left-back, meaning Hill could offer much needed depth on the right.

Asked if Cherries were thinking about recalling Hill, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think it's very, very probable that we call him back because he has been really good, playing for them.

“We were really happy with him, even from the pre-season.

“He played first game with us, and we've been really thin in our defensive positions this last week.

“So it's very probable that we recall him.”

A January signing in 2022, Hill made his Premier League debut for Cherries on the first game of the season, coming off the bench during the 1-1 draw with West Ham at Vitality Stadium.