STEVE Fletcher saw David McGoldrick continue to weave his magic for Cherries and then hailed the teenage loan star as a "revelation".

Fletcher provided the assist as McGoldrick paved the way for Cherries' 2-0 victory over Tranmere by netting an excellent first-half opener.

The 19-year-old Saints striker celebrated the start of his second month at Dean Court when he finished with aplomb after latching on to Fletcher's 13th-minute flick.

It was his third goal in six starts for Cherries and helped Kevin Bond's side climb six points clear of the League One drop zone.

McGoldrick also took centre stage when he was fouled by Rovers skipper Ian Goodison for a second-half penalty, which was converted by James Hayter.

Goodison, booked for contesting the 57th-minute spot kick, was later sent off after collecting a second yellow card following a trip on the lively McGoldrick.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: "Dave's a great outlet for the team. He's got pace, he can get in behind defenders and can run all day. He's skilful and he's got all the attributes.

"He's just got to start believing in himself and, once he does that, he's got every chance of going back to Southampton and knocking on George Burley's door and getting in the first team.

"Dave's been a revelation for us in the past few weeks and certainly played his part in helping us pick up a few crucial wins.

"He's been good for me because he gets on the end of my flicks, but he's also been really good for the team because he works so hard running the channels.

"When you've got someone like Dave running on to balls 70 or 80 yards up the pitch, it helps the defence and the midfield and really takes the pressure off."

Fletcher added: "Dave took his goal really well. He gambled on my flick, chested it down and finished confidently. It's nice when your two strikers combine and it gives me as much satisfaction as scoring myself because I've made a career of setting up goals."

Despite the victory, Fletcher is adamant that Cherries are far from out of the woods: "We've dragged a few more teams down and given ourselves a bit of breathing space.

"But we've been in this situation before and you can quickly sink back down again so it's important we keep up the momentum and keep getting the right results. We can't relax until we're mathematically safe."