BOSS Lee Bradbury believes Joe Partington possesses the characteristics to be a future Cherries captain.

Midfielder Partington, who has skippered Wales under-19s, recently hit the comeback trail after recovering from a hip injury.

The 21-year-old, a product of the club’s youth set up, will be hoping to keep his place in the squad when Cherries host fellow League One strugglers Bury this afternoon.

Bradbury, speaking to the Daily Echo following Cherries’ 2-2 draw at MK Dons six days ago, told the Daily Echo: “He influences things and other people on the pitch and those are great traits to have at his age. He has got a bit of work to do but he is the type of lad who is captain material. We saw it with Jason Pearce and the characteristics he had.

“He is versatile and can play in a two in the centre of midfield and he gives you energy. He is really enthusiastic and likes to tackle and pass. He can also play sitting in front of the back four, giving them a little bit of protection.

“He is a switched-on lad, a clever lad who can take on board information and enforce it on the pitch. I have been really pleased with him. He has come back really hungry following his injury and has been rewarded for that.”

Bradbury is expected to revert to a 4-4-2 formation for the visit of Bury as Cherries bid to secure only their second home league win of the season.

Michael Symes could be in line for his first start of the season, although the striker is understood to have missed some training sessions this week due to his fragile groin.

Midfielder Shaun MacDonald, who sustained a toe injury against Chesterfield six weeks ago, is understood to be close to a return.

BLOB Teenage midfielder Josh Carmichael will pen his first professional contract for the club on the pitch ahead of kick-off against Bury.

Carmichael, who was given a pre-scholarship agreement by highly-regarded former Cherries head of youth Joe Roach, was handed a shock debut as a substitute during Cherries’ 2-0 win at Exeter.