STAR defender Josh Gowling is planning to use this afternoon's reserve match to blow away the cobwebs as he bids to regain full fitness.

The Cherries centre-half admitted to feeling a "bit sluggish" after being sidelined since the FA Cup defeat at Millwall on December 1 with a calf problem.

And during his recovery, the Coventry-born player's training schedule has been restricted by the troublesome nature of the injury.

But he is hoping today's game for Eddie Howe's second string against Forest Green Rovers at Dean Court (2pm) will boost his overall fitness.

He said: "It feels good. I've had no reaction from it, but the pitches are a bit heavy so it's difficult to run around. I'm just getting my fitness back and I'm looking forward to the game.

"Hopefully I can get 90 minutes under my belt. I need my fitness back and it's match fitness I need so it's the ideal opportunity for me to get that.

"I feel a bit sluggish and haven't done anything for four weeks now. I couldn't really run because of the calf.

"I was out there training but it's not the same as a game and hopefully it will give me that sharpness, awareness and mental sharpness."

Gowling, who has had a watching brief for Cherries' past seven matches, revealed the players had managed to put the New Year's Day defeat at Brighton to the back of their minds.

"I think the lads were really disappointed because it was a game we should've won. It's a disappointment, especially to concede in the 94th minute - it's disheartening.

"The lads were disappointed but we've had a lot of disappointments this season so we've just got to deal with it and get on with it.

"We've been playing a lot of indoor football. It's been quite competitive and that's what the lads need really - a bit of competition for places.

"I think we need a few more in the squad so we have to fight for places but I'm sure the gaffer will bring a few people in."

Looking ahead to Saturday's League One clash at fellow relegation candidates Cheltenham Town, Gowling tipped Cherries to bounce back.

He said: "We've got to pick ourselves up. It's a six-pointer but we should be expecting to win and all the lads can't wait to get on with it."

Gowling is not the only first-teamer expected to face Forest Green this afternoon, with Russ Perrett, himself recovering from injury, likely to play alongside his defensive partner in a bid to rediscover his fitness ahead of the weekend.