STEVE Fletcher insists that Kevin Bond's gradual switch to a more direct style of play can see Cherries claw their way out of relegation danger.

The 34-year-old remains a focal point for the team and his influence will have a major bearing on the outcome of the club's League One battle.

But Fletcher knows that much rests on his and fellow target man Sam Vokes' shoulders as the club enter the final eight games of the season which will shape their destiny.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: "It's very hard to play that patient style of passing football when you're in the situation we're in. One goal can have a massive effect on the whole season and understandably nerves creep in and mistakes happen.

"So that means that me or Sam - whoever is playing in that role - has an important role to play to relieve pressure.

"And going forward, that diagonal ball can be very effective. I've almost made a career out of knocking those down!

"It's not route one - but it's playing to our strengths. I think we are that little bit more direct now and I believe that's the right way to go for the situation we're in."

Bond said: "If you're going to play Big Fletch, there is no point in flicking balls down the channels and asking him to chase them, although he will do that for you. You have to play to his strengths or there is no point in playing him.

"He'd done really well over recent weeks and any defender in the league knows they are in for a difficult day against him.

"He's got a big physical presence, holds it up and brings people into play.

"We don't want to become a long ball team, which we're not. But it is an option to hit Fletch and get players around him for the knock-downs.

"You have to mix it up though. With Darren Anderton in the side you don't want to by-pass midfield, but you do need to mix things up."

Bond believes Tranmere will represent a stern challenge for Cherries because of their physical attributes.

He said: "They are a strong side. All Ronnie Moore sides compete really well - we found that out up at their place - and it will be a big test for us.

"We need to take the initiative and go out and win the game."

Cherries are expected to be without Marcus Browning (calf) Karl Broadhurst (back) and Callum Hart (ankle), while long-term injury victims Eddie Howe, Shaun Maher and Steve Foley are still missing.

Cherries: (from) Moss, Cooper, Young, Gowling, Purches, Cummings, Wilson, Anderton, Hollands, Walker, Summerfield, Hayter, McGoldrick, Fletcher, Pitman, Vokes, Stewart.

Tranmere: Ward, Stockdale, Goodison, McCready, Sherriff, Shuker, McLaren, Mullin, Ellison, Taylor, Greenacre, Hinchliffe, Zola, Davies, Tremarco, Harrison.