TODAY'S Coca-Cola League One clash at Oldham may dictate whether Sean O'Driscoll's search for a stand-in left-back intensifies, writes Steve Wilson.

Warren Cummings' ankle injury he suffered at Torquay on Tuesday is expected to keep him out of action for a month and has left Cherries without a recognised left-sided defender for the Boundary Park clash.

With Steve Purches's own ankle problem still causing problems, it seems either Neil Young will move across from his usual right flank or Garreth O'Connor could be used as a wing-back in a change of system.

Either way, it seems O'Driscoll could be set to cast the net if the team struggles to cope without the influential Cummings and may have already set the wheels in motion on a temporary new recruit.

Adrian Kelley chairman of Playershare has confirmed that there are funds available if O'Driscoll decides he needs to use them and that the Cherries boss had made enquiries.

Kelley told the Daily Echo: "Sean has been in contact this week to see if there is any money for a possible loan signing. He hasn't said who is looking to bring in or even what position they play but was just checking on what funds were available.

"Obviously we are as keen as we always are to help out if we can. There is a small reserve fund available but we always need more. We are raising funds all the time but it is a hand-to-mouth existence. People sometimes think that Playershare is an unlimited resource when we help out the club with signings.

"That is not the case - we are scratching around as much as the club is in trying to make ends meet."

Perhaps one of the major obstacles for the Cherries boss, apart from the financing of a deal, is the two cup fixtures that may hinder his hopes of a loan arrangement.

Cherries host Cardiff City on Tuesday in the Carling Cup while the first round of the FA Cup will take place on 13 November. Clubs will be less keen to loan players out knowing they will be cup-tied.

With the Scottish defender almost guaranteed to come straight back into the side when he regains his fitness, O'Driscoll may simply grin and bear it until Cummings recovers and save any funds on another area of the side - especially as Eddie Howe's loan spell is due to expire in two weeks.