CENTURION-in-waiting Shaun Cooper believes the arrival of Jo Tessem will provide a "calming influence" in the heat of Cherries' relegation battle.

Cooper could make his 100th appearance for the club alongside Tessem when Cherries lock horns with fellow strugglers Cheltenham at Whaddon Road tomorrow (3pm).

And the 24-year-old is convinced the addition of Norwegian international and ex-Premiership star Tessem will provide Cherries with a timely boost.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Cooper said: "You can see the quality he's got on the ball. He's composed, he can pick a pass, he doesn't panic and is a very good player. He's been playing in Norway and he certainly looks fit so it's a good addition for us.

"The more you train and play with players who have performed at the highest level, the better it is for everyone. They always have that bit extra about them and you can't fail to learn from them. It's been the same with Darren Anderton.

"If you've got composed players in the team, it helps relax everyone else. It makes you more relaxed on the ball and everyone starts passing it around. Jo brings a calming influence and hopefully that can spread throughout the team.

"We're desperate for points because of the situation we're in and sometimes you don't play as well as you should because you don't want to make mistakes or take chances. But if you've got players around you who are willing to get on the ball then it's always a good thing and I'm sure he will be a positive addition."

Cooper, who has missed Cherries' past two games with an ankle injury, staked his claim for a recall with a solid display during the reserves' midweek win over Forest Green. And while Tessem's signing has increased competition for places, Cooper also sees this as a positive.

"It's part and parcel of football and it happens all the time," said the former Portsmouth trainee. "Competition is good because it keeps you on your toes. You can't get complacent or sloppy and you can't even take a training session for granted. You always have to be on top of your game so it brings out the best in everyone."

Cooper joined Cherries following a brief trial spell more than three years ago and, by his own admission, his enrolment into the 100-club has taken longer than he would have hoped: "I will be glad to get there and I'm looking forward to increasing my appearance tally.

"I had a stop-start year as far as injuries are concerned last year and it was pretty much a nightmare. It started when I came off against Brighton on New Year's Day with a hamstring injury and I didn't play anywhere near as many games as I would have hoped in 2007. Hopefully things are all sorted now and I can look forward to a good year."