LOCAL lad Matt Tubbs was last night excited at the prospect of making his League debut, as the striker’s move to Cherries awaited Football League approval.

Both Tubbs and assistant manager Jason Tindall confirmed that terms had been agreed for the Salisbury City frontman to join the Dorset club on loan until January, but the deal was yet to be rubber-stamped.

Despite the red tape still surrounding the temporary transfer yesterday evening, completion is expected in time for Tubbs to take his place in the Cherries squad for tonight’s League Two clash at lowly rivals Grimsby Town.

The 24-year-old from Verwood, speaking to the Echo, revealed that he was itching to finally make his first appearance in the Football League after a prolific spell with Salisbury at Conference level and below.

“I’m really happy with it,” he said.

“It’s a chance for me to get into league football.

“As a non-league player – speak to any player – and they will say their aim is league football. Hopefully I can take my chance.”

Tubbs linked up with Jimmy Quinn’s squad in training at Canford School yesterday morning and he is known to the Cherries boss and Tindall from their time in the Conference.

The former Bolton Wanderers trainee netted against Cherries in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Dean Court on Monday.

With Jeff Goulding and Brett Pitman both out injured for Cherries’ trip to Blundell Park, Quinn was yesterday desperate to bolster his striking resources.

And Tubbs, a firm favourite at Salisbury, was on the verge of completing his move last night after being made available for transfer as part of a cost-cutting exercise by the Wiltshire outfit.

The England non-league international, who helped Salisbury clinch their place in the Conference when he scored the winner in their play-off final against Braintree Town in May 2007, is hoping to improve his game with Cherries, under Quinn.

He said: “He knows the striker’s role inside out. Hopefully he can teach me - I’ve still got a lot of learning in me.”

Due to their previous financial problems, Cherries have to get their transfers approved by the Football League before deals can be completed.

Chief executive Alastair Saverimutto told the Echo he didn’t expect the deal to be finalised until today.

Meanwhile, Saverimutto confirmed that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had returned the goods seized by bailiffs from Dean Court at the end of last week.

Saverimutto said bailiffs were sent after a third party “mix-up” caused the club to miss a payment to HMRC.

He claimed the issue had now been resolved.