Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, Howe is quoted as saying: "I've had long conversations with Joe for a long time now about the possibility of him playing centre-half for me. I think he's got all the attributes to do it. It's a case of us having the time to work with him in that position over a period of time so he gets to know the role. He's good on the ball, good in the air, he's a great size, he's quick enough and he's quite mobile, so I don't see there being a problem. I thought he did ever so well when he came on against Fulham and I do see that, especially with our lack of cover at centre-half, as a position he could fill. I just think he'd need experience of the position - that's all".