Cherries: Howe to make late decision on Jalal fitness

Cherries boss Eddie Howe will give injury doubt Shwan Jalal until the last possible moment to prove his fitness ahead of tomorrow's League Two clash at Barnet. The influential goalkeeper missed Saturday's FA Cup defeat against Notts County with an ankle problem and he is still struggling ahead of the Underhill showdown. Speaking ahead of training this morning, Howe said: "We hope Jalal will be okay but we don't know, so we will have to wait and see how he reacts to training today and tomorrow." Rookie Dan Thomas, who stepped in against County, is set to deputise again if Jalal fails to recover in time. Discussing the 18-year-old, Howe added: "He's learning all the time. In an ideal world, it's probably a little bit too early for him. But we do like him and time is on his side." Meanwhile, keen to cover all the angles, boss Howe ran the rule over West Ham prospect Marek Stech in training today. However, it appears highly unlikely Cherries will pursue the possibility of an emergency loan at this stage.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo