KEVIN Bond has again dipped into the loan market by snapping up a pair of hot prospects from Premier League Reading on a month's loan to bolster his struggling Cherries squad.

Highly-rated duo Alex Pearce and James Henry both trained with their new team-mates yesterday and go straight "into the reckoning", according to boss Bond, for starting spots in this afternoon's key League One clash at Bristol Rovers.

The Royals youngsters could come in as like-for-like replacements for Shaun Cooper, who is "struggling" to overcome a dead leg, and ankle injury victim Adam Lallana.

Both are eager to gain first team experience and boost their profiles after featuring heavily in Reading's reserve team so far this term.

Centre-back Pearce, who played 15 games on loan for Northampton Town last season, told the Daily Echo that Cherries fans could expect to see a "solid defender".

"I enjoy heading the ball and I like to think I can pass it as well," said the 18-year-old.

"It's good to get first team football and more experience."

Cherries supporters will also be hoping that Pearce can continue the impressive form he has already shown against Bristol clubs this week, as the six-footer bagged a brace for the Royals in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Rovers' arch rivals City on Tuesday.

Right winger Henry, who made his Royals first team debut as a substitute in the 4-2 League Cup defeat against Liverpool in September, echoed Pearce's views.

He said: "I've been doing well at Reading but I've come away to get some experience under my belt."

The one-month loan deals mirror that of fellow Reading starlet Jem Karacan, who has impressed in midfield since joining the south coast club.

With Neil Young going on loan to Weymouth and Marc Wilson returning to parent club Portsmouth, as well as Cooper and Lallana struggling to regain fitness, the pair look certain to get their chance.

"We've still only got 12 to pick from with the two that have come in," said Bond after yesterday's training session at Canford School.

"They'll certainly go into the reckoning that's for sure.

"I've been impressed with what I've seen and we're fortunate to have them at such short notice."