CHERRIES star Jo Kuffour insists he is "always ready for the challenge" ahead of his team's trek to the North East.

The joint top scorer could cut a lone figure up front at Hartlepool tomorrow because he is the only recognised striker in Kevin Bond's squad for the League One clash.

Experienced forward Lee Bradbury serves the last of a three-match suspension, while young frontman Sam Vokes, who led the line against MK Dons in midweek, is on international duty with Wales under-21s.

Despite not having the height and stature of a typical target man, Kuffour was bullish at the prospect of taking up a central attacking role at Victoria Park.

"We don't know the team yet but, as you know, I'm the only striker so I'm sure I'll be up front and I'll do as best I can," said the former Brentford and Torquay hitman.

"I haven't played up front on my own, that will be new to me. I'm always ready for the challenge."

Kuffour, who celebrates his 26th birthday today, is used to playing alongside a bigger striker. But, with Bond's options severely limited, Kuffour could play through the middle on his own, alongside either Brett Pitman or James Henry, or even with untried youngster Josh McQuoid after the youth team forward made a substitute appearance against MK Dons.

Kuffour, who likes to "feed off" flick-ons and headers, is prepared for the extra work that comes with playing up front alone.

He said: "On your own you have to hold the ball up and look after the two centre-halves. It's a harder job with more running."

The ex-Arsenal trainee, who has been utilised as a wide player in recent weeks, is happy to contribute to the team in any way he can.

"It would be better obviously if I'm playing in one position because you get used to it," he admitted.

"But, with all the injuries and players out, everyone's been asked to do a job."

The livewire striker, who has hit the net four times so far this season, believes he made the correct decision by joining the Dean Court club, and thinks Cherries' league position will soon improve.

He said: "If everyone's on their game we can go to Hartlepool and get three points.

"We haven't played a team who have been much better, but we haven't had much luck.

"I'm happy with things. It would be better if we were further up the league but we've got a good squad here, a lot better than I had last year.

"We'll push up soon once the injured lads get back."

Tomorrow's showdown also sees Cherries go live on Sky Sports for the second time this week. And the cameras do not faze Kuffour.

He added: "I've been on Sky a couple of times before. You can see all the cameras but you have got to try and block it out. A lot of players get nervous."