LOAN star Joe Partington, part of Eastleigh's Vanarama Conference play-off semi-final side, has parted company with his parent club AFC Bournemouth.

He and striker Josh McQuoid, both products of the Cherries youth set-up under Joe Roach, have been released by the Premier League new boys.

Partington started manager Eddie Howe's first two games as caretaker manager at Darlington and Rotherham and featured in Cherries' escape from relegation in 2008/09.

But the former Wales under-19 skipper suffered more than his fair share of injuries and was restricted to brief substitute appearances following Howe's return in October 2012.

The injury curse struck again last season while the Portsmouth-born utility man was on loan at Aldershot Town - a knee problem sidelining him for eight months.

But the 25-year-old, who made his Cherries first-team debut at the age of 17, has regained form, fitness and confidence since linking up with Richard Hill's Eastleigh in January.

His solid defensive performances - either at centre-back or full-back - and his willingness to venture forward were key to helping the Spitfires reach the play-offs in their first season in the Conference top flight.

Parting with Partington was not an easy decision for Cherries boss Eddie Howe.

"Joe has given the club a great length of service," he said.

"He is a player who has displayed a magnificent attitude in the time I have worked with him and someone who is desperate for success.

"It was a real shame that the early part of his career was hampered by injury and various set-backs.

"But he has gone on loan and done very well with Eastleigh and, hopefully, that is just the start for Joe.

"We would like nothing more than to see both (Partington and Northern Ireland international McQuoid) forge long and successful careers in the game and wish them every success."