CHERRIES star Neil Young insists he still has "plenty to offer" at League One level despite his surprise loan move to non-league Weymouth.

Young joined the Blue Square Premier outfit at the end of last week and made his Terras debut in their 2-0 defeat by Aldershot on Friday.

The 34-year-old has moved to the Wessex Stadium on a month's loan and has also been given permission to line up in Weymouth's FA Cup first round clash against Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

Young, Cherries' fourth highest league appearance-maker, told the Daily Echo: "It's important for me to get a few games under my belt and Weymouth expressed an interest in taking me.

"I had a good pre-season and worked hard, but was suspended for the first game of the season so wasn't available to go to Nottingham Forest.

"I came back in for the Carling Cup tie at West Brom and felt I did okay before I had a run of four games in September.

"I haven't seen a great deal of action since then and a minor injury didn't help because that kept me out for a couple of weeks.

"But I've been back in training for a few days and I've been feeling good. Nothing beats match fitness though so going out on loan can only help me in that respect.

"With all due respect to reserve team football, I think I can benefit a lot more from playing regularly in the Conference.

"Hopefully, it will bring me on a lot quicker and help me regain my full level of match fitness. I was impressed with the standard on Friday against Aldershot."

Young capped his testimonial season by being voted supporters' player of the year at Dean Court in 2006 and made 37 appearances last season as Cherries avoided the drop.

The inspirational defender extended his stay at the club into a 14th season when he penned a new one-year contract in the summer.

Young added: "I feel I've still got plenty to offer at League One level and hopefully going out on loan will help me recharge my batteries.

"Although I've gone on loan to Weymouth, I still feel very much part of the Bournemouth squad. I haven't played as many games this season as I would have liked, but that's been down to circumstances.

"I'm keen to play my part and regain my place as soon as I get back. It was great to see the lads pick up a valuable win at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. That has certainly helped and I hope they can repeat it against Leeds.

"Although my thoughts and efforts during the month will be focused on helping Weymouth in league and cup games, I will also have a very close eye on Bournemouth's results. I'm rooting for the lads to do well and keep climbing the table."

Former Spurs trainee Young - currently the longest-serving member of the Cherries squad - arrived as a raw 21-year-old alongside Steve Robinson and Tony Scully in 1994. He is expected to be among the crowd at Dean Court tonight.