Charlie Daniels happy to pitch in during Bournemouth injury crisis

The Cherries now host Watford on Wednesday night, with Daniels calling on Eddie Howe's men to sharpen up.

"It's different, I'm learning, it's a new position, and with the injuries we've got I've got to step up and play there," said Daniels.

"It's not just me, all of us need to step up and improve.

"We have got a lot of injuries, but it just gives opportunities for other players to play, and they need to take their chance.

"It was the same old mistakes, costing us (at Manchester United). So it's down to us now really to cut that out."

Holland defender Nathan Ake will face a late fitness test ahead of Wednesday's Hornets clash at Dean Court, owing to a hamstring concern picked up at Old Trafford.

With club skipper Francis out for the long-haul and Adam Smith another long-term defensive absentee, the Cherries' rearguard resources continue to be stretched.

Despite the personnel problems however, Daniels insisted the Bournemouth squad are still relishing the traditional festive fixture pile up.

"Watford was always going to be a big game, it's just been made that little bit bigger," Daniels told Bournemouth's official club website.

"We've won our last couple of home games, we're going to go back to the way we know how to, and know how to get a result.

"It's more mental fatigue, but that can be changed very quickly. These are the times we live for.

"Everyone's up for it, and everyone's ready."

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