Cherries: Lovell excited by comeback

STEVE Lovell admits he is desperate to play his part for Cherries as he edges closer to full fitness. The experienced frontman was among Lee Bradbury's substitutes when Cherries drew 2-2 against Charlton Athletic on Saturday. It was the first time he had featured in the senior squad since rejoining the Dean Court outfit last summer. Lovell will today continue his comeback from a long-term ankle injury when he lines up in a reserve team friendly against a Reading XI at the Championship club's training base (2pm). He told the Echo: It was always the aim to get as many reserve minutes as I could. We have had to arrange this game and I am looking forward to it. Fingers crossed, everything goes well. I'm dying to get out there and play again. Bradders knows I am committed and willing to play my part when needed. When asked about his involvement on Saturday, Lovell added: It felt so good to finally be out there warming up with the boys and, in the end, I was disappointed not to get on. But I thought the boys did well and the ones that did come on almost changed the game. I felt good but I have come back quickly and have not really had much game time, so it might turn out to not be such a bad thing. A number of Cherries' professionals will line up against Reading, including new loan signing Donal McDermott. Boss Bradbury is also set to run the rule over 21-year-old goalkeeper Billy Lumley, a product of the Glenn Hoddle Academy, and Southampton academy player Jordace Holder-Spooner. Cherries: (from) Lumley, Nelson, Butcher, Baudry, Hester, Bell, McDermott, Taylor, Holder-Spooner, Lovell, Williamson, Stockley, Wakefield, Parsons, Murphy (g/k).

Source: Bournemouth_Echo