IT'S taken him a few games to find his feet, but Marc Wilson was excellent against Walsall on Saturday.

Deployed at left-back, the versatile 20-year-old was defensively sound, solid in the tackle, thoughtful in possession and intelligent with his distribution.

His display was reminiscent of the Marc Wilson of last season, the one who played a vital role in helping Cherries avoid the drop.

Unfortunately, his one-month loan from Portsmouth has now come to an end and it remains to be seen whether Cherries can afford to keep him.

Pompey have continued to pay Wilson's wages during his stay at Dean Court, with Cherries benefiting greatly from their funding.

And on the evidence of his latest display, it would certainly be a case of money well spent should Cherries have to cough up for an extension.

Wilson's display - together with those of Adam Lallana and Jem Karacan - highlight the importance of the loan market.

And with their parent clubs often helping out on the financial side, all parties benefit as the players gain valuable experience.

Karacan also caught the eye on Saturday, the 18-year-old covering almost every blade of grass on the pitch during an industrious and indefatigable display.

He looks a very good prospect, as does Bournemouth boy Lallana, with Cherries' financial plight forcing Kevin Bond to thrust hungry teenagers into a relegation battle.

And with their respective stays likely to be only temporary, Bond will have to use all his powers of persuasion to keep them and to also get a return ticket for Wilson.

With a tricky FA Cup tie on the horizon at either Barrow or Farsley Celtic, Cherries are going to need all the help they can get. Harry Redknapp, Steve Coppell and George Burley, we salute you.