Still missing Matt Ritchie

I was quick to spot Matt Ritchie and Charlie Daniels walking around the side of the pitch at Dean Court. While interviewers asked about Charlie Daniels and the strong chance of him being available soon we haven't heard much about Matt Ritchie since Eddie Howe kept saying he was only a week or two away from being ready. I am not sure if that was ready in terms of training again with the first team or match ready but it would be a massive boost to see Matt getting some playing time.

Matt Ritchie looks on while players warm up for the Wigan match.

Ritchie has to be one of our star players and no matter how well Ryan Fraser has been playing on the right wing, there will come a time when Matt will warrant selection and his scoring abilities will be a real bonus for AFCB in the Championship. It does not seem to be worrying any one yet that Grabban is the only AFCB player to have scored this season in the Championship but if it continues this way Eddie Howe will start questioning why other players are not getting on the score sheet.

I think Andrew Surman was brought in to help us get a few more goals while Coulibaly may turn out to be an equally good marksman as the season progresses. But Matt Ritchie we know can do the job and create exceptional chances for other players. Eddie Howe must be keen to get him back playing and I hope we do hear some news about him this week. With players like Fogden, Elphick, Ritchie, Coulibaly, McQuoid, Partington and Hughes not able to take to the pitch we are almost playing with one hand behind our back.

Matt Ritchie himself must be eager to make his debut in the Championship and when he does get his chance he will be one of our payers to watch. At least he will be fresh and should be full of energy. A fully revved up Matt Ritchie is going to be a handful for any full back to defend against and now we know that Ryan Fraser is capable of learning to play with a similar kind of impact.

When we do get more of these players back, AFCB are going to look even more of a frightening prospect for teams to face.