MARC Pugh had much to celebrate on his stag-do in Manchester, even if he had already been jilted.

Out of favour under Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson, Pugh was left at the footballing altar for the 2009 League Two play-off final at Wembley.

So with Cherries chasing a place at Old Trafford later this month, the 24-year-old is determined to ensure it will be a marriage made in…Manchester.

Pugh, speaking to the Daily Echo at Cherries’ play-off press call, said: “It would be a real kick in the teeth if we didn’t go all the way because we have worked so hard this season.

“When I was at Shrewsbury, there were a few of us who did not feature in the manager’s plans for the play-offs. I didn’t travel to Wembley when they were in the final and was gutted.

“I remember watching the match in the pub on my stag-do and they were beaten by Gillingham. It was very disappointing because I had wanted it so much for the lads. When we next met up, you could see the disappointment in their faces. We don’t want that. We want to go all the way.”

Following his Wembley snub, Pugh left Shrewsbury for Hereford and a productive season with the Bulls in League Two earned him a move to Dean Court last summer.

The skilful midfielder made an instant impression, scoring nine times in his first 19 appearances to help propel Cherries into the League One promotion mix.

However, after netting twice in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient in November, Pugh sustained a nasty knee injury when he fell on a raised sprinkler at Brisbane Road.

And although he continued to play through the pain, his form suffered, the Lancastrian eventually losing his place to loan star Donal McDermott for the trip to Notts County last month.

Pugh, who was restored to the starting line-up for Cherries’ final league game of the season against Rochdale, said: “The injury was a nightmare. I kept coming back but it kept splitting and it hurt every time I fell on it. You can’t make excuses and must always give 100 per cent, but it just wasn’t right.

“People could see I wasn’t my usual self and it was frustrating. I had started the season so well and wanted to push on. The injury set me back and I was worried about my form.

“To be honest, I wasn’t too surprised when I got dropped and couldn’t have too many complaints. Being left out for four games was a kick up the backside for me. It inspired me because I don’t want it to happen again.

“I have felt sharp in training and the knee feels the best it has. With it healing, the rest probably did me good as well. It has all come good at the right time.

“I got an opportunity against Rochdale and was delighted to be back. It was the sharpest I had felt for three or four months and I feel I have got a lot to offer during the play-offs.

“I came here believing we could achieve something and don’t see why we can’t win the play-offs. As a player, these are the games you strive for. We have drawn twice with Huddersfield and have beaten both MK Dons and Peterborough.

“It is a remarkable achievement to have reached the play-offs and now we have got a wonderful opportunity to win promotion to the Championship.”

Cherries host Huddersfield in the first leg of their semi-final on Saturday (12.45pm) before heading to the Galpharm Stadium for the second leg a week today (7.45pm). The final takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 29 (3pm).