KEVIN Bond believes his loan stars have put Cherries in prime position to beat the League One drop.

The Cherries boss has drafted in a remarkable 11 loanees during his short time in charge at Dean Court, with all but perhaps one or two being successful acquisitions.

And although Bond declined to identify the pick of the bunch, he did express his delight at how the short-term signings have fought for the cause.

Bond told the Daily Echo: "I've been well pleased - most of them have done really well for us. They've come in and applied themselves and really dug in to help us. Nobody has just come in and gone through the motions.

"I'd far sooner have a settled squad of my own, but in my view, I've certainly needed the loans.

"David McGoldrick has done very well in a short space of time, Simon Gillett, Marc Wilson and Ryan Bertrand did well and Jack Cork was excellent when he was here. But almost all of them have been a success so it's unfair to pick people out.

"We've been fortunate that almost all of the players have fitted in quickly.

"It's not too difficult to pick up a loan player, but finding the right one to help your particular cause is a different kettle of fish."

While McGoldrick has quickly become a fans' favourite, particularly after a fine strike in the 2-0 win over Tranmere at the weekend, Wilson is now an important cog in the midfield.

The two other current loanees - Josh Walker and Luke Summerfield - will have roles to play as Cherries attempt to continue their climb away from danger.

Bond, meanwhile, also feels the use of the loan system will be crucial again next season - despite his desire to revamp the current squad.

He said: "I think it's key to club like ours. If we didn't have the loan system that we've got, we'd have to carry a bigger squad and we simply cannot afford it.

"I'll probably be looking to have 18 players in my squad next season and then supplement it with a few loans when we have to.

"It would be better for us if we can arrange the longer-term loans. From a stability and continuity point of view you're better off not introducing new players every five minutes if you can avoid it."

Meanwhile, Tuesday's scheduled reserve clash against Millwall has been cancelled because the south London club are unable to field a side.