JOHN Spicer has handed Cherries a real boost ahead of their LDV Vans Trophy clash at Shrewsbury tonight (Gay Meadow, 7.45pm kick-off) by revealing he wants to extend his stay at Dean Court.

The skilful midfielder, on a month's loan from Arsenal, has already become a pivotal figure in Sean O'Driscoll's team plans having scored two goals in four games and impressing with his work-rate and vision.

But the 21-year-old star, whose initial one-month deal expires after the visit of Stockport on Friday 8 October, has also taken to his new surroundings and is keen to stick around.

He told the Daily Echo: "I know the club has financial problems so the decision is not really down to me. But if it was, I'd like to stay - I'm really enjoying my football here.

"Nothing has been mentioned to me from the management yet. But if Sean wants me to stay and Arsenal let me, I'd most probably stay."

Spicer's arrival - alongside fellow loan star Eddie Howe - was once again thanks to Playershare's assistance and although extensions may be possible, Playershare's Adrian Kelley insists new funds would be needed to help carry the burden.

He said: "It always gives us great pleasure when players we helped bring in to the club do so well. On Saturday, we had several players who would not have been on the pitch without Playershare.

"There are some limited funds in place for possible loan extensions but as always, we need to be able to generate the cash to help Sean.

"And I promise you, the only way that the club can afford players at the moment, is through Playershare."

O'Driscoll offered his thanks to the Playershare scheme once again but knows he will need them again as the season progresses. He said: "We'd like to keep both John and Eddie for as long as we can. They've both done very well in the time they have been here. We'd like to thank Playershare. They have been excellent again in helping to get them in the first place but we know we'd need their help again if we want to try and get these players for longer."

Although Howe's loan from Portsmouth would be for a maximum of three months, Spicer's age would allow him to extend his loan spell for the rest of the season, if the funds can be found and if the parties can all reach agreement.

Spicer said: "Staying for the season all depends on what is happening here and it is difficult to know what will happen. It is a possibility, but the club would have to want me for the whole season for starters and I'd have to have a chat with a few people to see if it is right for me as well."

He added: "I am getting to know more about the players with every game. A big part of football is about the understanding you have with other players. Once you get a team spirit to go with it, which we have, that is half the job done."

The Romford-born star has been instrumental in a tremendous week for Cherries. The team scored back-to-back league wins and knocked Blackburn Rovers out of the Carling Cup in between.

Spicer said: "It is going well at the moment. The boys have taken to me, which is a nice thing and now I'm just hoping we can carry on winning games.

"To beat Blackburn was really special and the performance against Doncaster was superb. We tore them apart. I think it has helped me that everyone has made me feel so welcome. You get to know people and when you feel more at home you always play better." Playershare - who in-creased their Playerpledge projection for the season by £1000 thanks to the 5-0 demolition of Doncaster on Saturday - have appealed again to supporters to get involved as the club tries to stave off the continuing financial concern.

Call Playershare for more details on 01202 764 272 or visit the website at www.playershare.co.uk.