NEW Cherries skipper Carl Fletcher admits he can learn from his namesake Steve after being handed the captain's armband for the start of next season.

With inspirational club captain Steve still sidelined by the knee injury which has plagued him for a year, Carl has been given the captain's nod ahead of Neil Young.

Super Fletch, as he is affectionately known by Cherries fans, is hoping to return to first team action by October after being told he needs no further surgery on his left knee by top specialist, Mr Dai Rees, last week.

But until the big targetman returns to full fitness, tough tackling midfielder Carl admits he will follow the example Steve has set in captaincy.

Fletcher said: "Fletch has been around a long time, he's got a lot of experience and knows this level of football inside and out.

"You learn so many things from playing under him every day, even in training.

"It was a big disappointment to have him out last season because he is such a big, influential figure, in training, the changing rooms and even more so on the pitch and I have definitely learned from him.

"I think you have got to take your own view to the captaincy but obviously I look at him, and Eddie Howe, and see pointers that I think work and hopefully I can use them to my advantage.

"I will be a different sort of captain to Eddie. He always led by example where as I am more vocal and hopefully the boys will understand it is all constructive criticism and take it on board.