Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Lovell's start is a spur for striker
SENIOR professional Steve Lovell revealed his determination to play a major role in Cherries' Championship quest despite having yet to reach peak fitness.[LNB] The seasoned striker is targeting a regular place in Lee Bradbury's XI after making his first start since rejoining the club in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Notts County.[LNB] Lovell, who came through the youth ranks at Dean Court, has seen his campaign plagued by a long-standing ankle problem.[LNB] The 30-year-old made his eagerly-awaited first team return earlier this month by appearing as a second-half substitute at Peterborough.[LNB] And the 63-minute outing at Meadow Lane was Lovell's second start for Cherries, his full debut coming as a teenager in a home 0-0 draw against Chesterfield on April 24, 1999.[LNB] Now in his second spell at Dean Court, the former SPL star is keen to throw his valuable experience behind Cherries' promotion push as he builds his match fitness.[LNB] Lovell told the Echo: I was delighted that Bradders gave me a chance. The result went our way and I thought the boys did fantastically. It was just what we needed.[LNB] I felt fine and actually felt better the longer the game went on. I'm only going to get match fit by playing so I was delighted to get out there again.[LNB] I have been out for a year so it is almost like coming back for pre-season, minus a season. Players aren't into their stride until quite a few games into a season normally.[LNB] I am going to be short of full fitness and have got to keep working at it. I just hope I can give the team something.[LNB] I'm feeling all right within myself and the injury has been good, so I'm just looking forward to playing.[LNB] Bradders knows the situation. I am 100 per cent behind the team doing well.[LNB] Asked if he was happy to keep answering his manager's call, Lovell said: Definitely. Bradders knows how I feel and I want to start every game, but it is up to him to decide which team he wants to put out.[LNB] Being a professional, all you want to do is start games and play. I was delighted to do that, especially coming back with the three points, which made the trip back a bit more enjoyable.[LNB] Lovell partnered 18-year-old hotshot Danny Ings in attack against County and he believes the quality player has a promising future.[LNB] He added: I have trained with him and I know what he is about.[LNB] I was delighted to see him get a goal. He has had a bit of a rough time, sometimes, with comments he has had aimed at him.[LNB] He is still young but he has got huge potential.[LNB]
