Having suffered injury towards the back end of last season, Elliott Ward has been working tirelessly to regain fitness in time for the new season. Despite missing out on a return at the John Smith Stadium, he did make an appearance at Exeter City in the Carling Cup win during the week.
Manager Eddie Howe is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying about the 29 year old: "Elliott worked very hard to get fit. His aim was to be available for the bench for the first game at Huddersfield and he achieved that with a lot of hard work. With no games and no major training sessions behind him, he played 90 minutes at Exeter and looked so accomplished. It was testament to his professionalism. It shows he looks after himself. He is a very good professional behind the scenes. He eats the right things and looks after his body. He is very experienced and that is why he is such a valued member of the squad".