POOLE Town manager Tom Killick believes Cherries youngster Joe Quigley is as desperate to win the Southern Premier as any of his Dolphins team-mates.

Man mountain Quigley has scored seven goals in 13 appearances since linking up with Poole on a work experience loan at the beginning of January.

Assessing Quigley’s two months at Tatnam, Killick hailed the 18-year-old as an exemplary temporary addition and admitted he was desperate to cling on to the striker.

The boss told the Daily Echo: “For someone so young to make such an impact says an awful lot about him and his ability.

“The players have really warmed to his character and personality because of the way he’s thrown himself into it – he gives his all every minute of every game.

“Players always appreciate it when you get someone in on loan who buys into the whole thing. Sometimes loan players can detach themselves a little bit, not in a significant way, but they don’t necessarily completely buy into what you are trying to achieve.

“Joe’s future is not going to be with Poole Town so it would be easy for him to have the attitude that us getting promoted is not the be-all and end-all.

“The way he has gone about playing has proved that is not the case. He looks as committed and ambitious to win the league as anyone else and I think that says a lot about him.”

Poole, who were without a fixture yesterday, were toppled from top spot as Corby Town climbed above them following their 3-1 home win over Burnham.

But the Dolphins have four games in hand on both Corby and third-placed Weymouth and play the first of them on Tuesday when they travel to Biggleswade Town.

Poole have 13 games left in their league campaign and Killick admitted he would love to see Quigley stay on to help his team secure the title and Conference South football.

Killick added: “He’s been exceptional for us so we’re very keen for him to carry on.

“Because it’s a youth loan, it’s a lot more flexible than usual. Bournemouth could recall him tomorrow or we could have him until the end of the season.

“From a selfish point of view, I’d love to have him until the end of the season because he’s been so good for us.

“But Joe’s wishes are a big factor as well. In a way our views are secondary, the primary decisions lie with Bournemouth and Joe.”