INTERIM head coach Gary O'Neil says new recruit Jack Stephens "fits straight into the group" after he completed a deadline day switch from Saints.

The 28-year-old arrived at Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal from south coast neighbours Saints, and could debut at Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

Stephens was the sixth and final signing made by Cherries in the summer transfer window.

Discussing the club's latest recruit, O'Neil said: "We’re pleased to have him. He adds to our centre-backs.

"Another right-footed centre-back as well, which is good.

"He’s a good player, trained with us yesterday, trained really well. So really pleased to have him.

"Good addition and he fits straight into the group and we’ll try and get him up to speed with where we are and what we do."

Stephens is set to compete with the likes of Chris Mepham, Lloyd Kelly, Marcos Senesi and James Hill for a starting berth.

Former Portsmouth midfielder O'Neil is in interim charge of Bournemouth, following the sacking of Scott Parker earlier this week.