CHERRIES new boy Adam Lallana admits he is relishing the prospect of learning the ropes from pass master Darren Anderton.

Lallana lined up alongside Anderton for the first time during Cherries' Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old was handed his debut at the Memorial Stadium just hours after agreeing a one-month loan deal with the Dean Court outfit.

And after catching the eye as Cherries progressed to the area quarter-finals, Lallana said he was looking forward to his stay.

He told the Daily Echo: "I trained with Southampton in the morning and was hopeful that something was going to happen. I went to see the manager after training and he had just got off the phone to the Bournemouth chairman so I signed just in time to play.

"I jumped at the chance to come here and as soon as I spoke to Kevin Bond, I couldn't wait to get started. I live in Bournemouth, I've supported them since I was a young lad and it was a dream to make my debut.

"I think I've been close to coming here in the past but I've been on the fringes of the first team at Southampton and the manager has wanted me there as cover.

"But because we've got a bigger squad this season, he's given me the opportunity to come here for a month to start with and, if everything goes well, hopefully it will be extended. We had a good win in midweek and I would love to be involved in the next round.

"I know a few of the lads here already and I've fitted in really well. I want to get as much experience as possible and playing alongside Darren Anderton is really going to help me game."

Born in St Albans, Lallana moved to Bournemouth when he was five and was on the club's books as a schoolboy. He played youth football for Redhill Rangers and Littledown Juniors and was snapped up by Saints when he was 12.

He is the latest of a talented crop of Saints youngsters to tread the path from St Mary's to Dean Court and says he is desperate to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.

"Andrew Surman is my role model," said Lallana, who attended St Peter's School. "If I could achieve what he did while he was here then I would go back to Southampton a better player. David McGoldrick, Leon Best, Martin Cranie and Simon Gillett all benefited after coming here and I would love to do the same.

"I'm hoping to get some competitive games under my belt, hopefully score a couple of goals and help us get a few more wins. I hope to learn and go back to Southampton a better and more mature player."

Cherries boss Kevin Bond said: "I worked with Adam a couple of years ago when he was a bit younger. I was aware of his ability and have been waiting for the right circumstances to try to bring him on board.

"He's a Bournemouth lad and I hoped we would be his number one club for a loan move. I know he is chuffed to bits to be here and we're chuffed to bits to have him."