WELSH dragon Sam Vokes is hoping to breathe fire into his Cherries career and turn up the heat on fellow drop zone dwellers Millwall.

The young striker netted his third goal in four games for Wales' under-21s in their 3-1 victory over Malta at the Racecourse Ground on Wednesday.

But Vokes has failed to get off the mark this season for Kevin Bond's struggling League One troops, something he is hoping to put right at Millwall this afternoon as he attempts to replicate his red hot international form at club level.

"Obviously we've had a lack of goals in the team all round and, as a striker, hopefully I can put that right," Vokes told the Daily Echo.

The 17-year-old, who celebrates his 18th birthday tomorrow, admits that plying his trade on the international level is a test, but one he is relishing.

He added: "It's good. I enjoy getting away with the team and into a different environment.

"It's always good to start and get a goal.

"It's very different, especially when you play teams from Eastern Europe, it's more tactical I suppose.

"I feel good playing for them and, after getting a start, scoring is a bonus."

One drawback of gaining international honours, however, is the punishing travel schedule, with Cherries boss Kevin Bond admitting Vokes returned to Dean Court tired after his midweek exploits.

"Sam was really tired on Thursday and Friday," said Bond.

"In fairness, he's played four games in 10 days which is a lot for him and he's finding it tough to get himself refreshed."

But, full of youthful exuberance, the forward is aiming to open his 2007 League One account and help Cherries clinch three crucial points at The Den this afternoon.

"Obviously it's a massive game for us because they're down the bottom. It's a six-pointer even this early and we need to do what we've done on the road already - play well and get the three points," said Vokes.

He added: "We need to pick points up at home, it's of major importance to perform like we do away at home.

"If we win today it will be a massive confidence boost."

One man unlikely to start for Cherries is Jo Kuffour, who is still struggling to shake off a virus.

"We took a chance with Jo Kuffour last week and I now regret it," said Bond.

"We need everyone firing on all cylinders so we'll have to see in the morning."

With Vokes and Kuffour not fully fit, Bond confirmed Saints loan man Adam Lallana "would have to be an option" in a central attacking role.

Josh Gowling is available but Russ Perrett is out with a calf injury and Neil Young, despite training for the first time in four weeks yesterday, is not ready.