BOSS Andoni Iraola says he had to take “risks” as he explained his bold call to move Lewis Cook into an unfamiliar role against Queens Park Rangers.

With Cherries 2-0 down at half-time against their Championship opponents, their FA Cup hopes were hanging in the balance.

But Iraola made some big calls to get his side back into the contest, notably withdrawing Chris Mepham for Ryan Christie and dropping Cook into a defensive role.

A central midfielder by trade, Cook has impressed in a more defensive-minded capacity this term, but featuring at the heart of a back four was a new experience for the 26-year-old.

Asked about the decision to drop Cook into the back-line to partner Marcos Senesi, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It is something I usually do. Whenever we are in this situation and losing, we have to take a lot of risks, because we needed two or three goals.

“We could have suffered in the box, with aerial things.

“But we expected to have the ball for a lot of the second half and he helps us a little bit more, because he is a midfielder playing in the build-up.

“I also think he has the defensive ability to survive in the transitions.”

Cherries went on to win the game 3-2.