CHERRIES boss Kevin Bond admitted he would have to "conjure something up" from within his injury-ravaged squad to pose problems for Hartlepool United in tomorrow's League One showdown (4pm).

Bond's team selection has been badly restricted by injuries all season, with this weekend no different.

Goalkeeper Neil Moss's facial injury, sustained on Tuesday night against MK Dons, added to a sick list which already included the likes of Ryan Garry, Russ Perrett, Jean Christophe, Darren Anderton and Steve Foley. And with forwards Lee Bradbury (suspended) and Sam Vokes (international duty) both unavailable, the Cherries boss is again left to choose from a skeleton squad.

"We have very few options at this moment in time," said Bond, who was unable to make any last-minute additions to bolster his squad.

The main area where Bond has problems for tomorrow's trip to the North East is in attack, with his resources stretched to the limit, as Jo Kuffour is the only recognised striker available.

He said: "We've got Jo Kuffour who, of late, has either played up front or to one side depending how we played.

"We haven't got anybody who'd spring to mind to play up front, so I'll have to conjure something up."

In light of his limited options, the Cherries boss admitted a draw would be a "fantastic result", but also insisted he would "try to win".

Rookie midfielder Marvin Bartley and experienced defender Warren Cummings are both likely to feature in the squad, but neither is fully fit yet after long-term lay-offs.

"We're not in the position where we can give them reserve games because we've got no fixtures," said Bond.

"They've got to get fit within training and by doing extra and working hard. I'll include them as and when I see fit."

On the plus side for Bond, he is likely to have Reading loan star James Henry ready to play after the winger, who bagged a brace on his Cherries debut at Bristol Rovers, overcame a hamstring injury.

Bond was last night working to secure an extension to Jem Karacan's loan deal. The young Reading midfielder has been highly impressive during his time at the Dorset club.

  • Former Cherries utility man Marc Wilson has been snapped-up on loan by Luton Town.

The Pompey 20-year-old impressed during two loan spells at Cherries.

Cherries: (from) Stewart, Telfer, Gowling, J Pearce, A Pearce, Golbourne, Pitman, Cooper, Karacan, Hollands, Kuffour, McQuoid, Henry, Franks, Partington, Newman, Bartley, Cummings, Pryce.

Hartlepool United: (from) Budtz, McCunnie, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys, Moore, Sweeney, Boland, Brown, Barker, Porter, Lee-Barrett, Elliott, Monkhouse, Antwi, Gibb, Foley, Mackay.