NEW loan star John Spicer is hoping to use his month at Bournemouth as a springboard to a place in the England under-21 side.

The creative midfielder turned in a promising debut in Saturday's home defeat and is now keen to impress at Dean Court in a bid to force his way into Peter Taylor's plans.

Spicer, who turned 21 on MOnday, has represented England at every level between the under-15s and under-20s so far and is keen to follow in the footsteps of Jermain Defoe in using a successful loan spell at Dean Court to improve his long-term career prospects.

He told the Daily Echo: "Playing for the England under-21s is a big ambition for me.

"I have played for England at every age group so far from the under-15s and upward. But I know I need to be playing first-team football to have a chance of playing for the under-21s.

"That is another step for me so I know I need to do well here to give me a chance of being selected."

The likeable Romford-born star was refreshingly honest when he admitted that his days at Highbury could be numbered as he looks to further his own career.

He said: "I am in the last year of my contract at Arsenal. It depends what happens, but at the moment, it would probably be better for me to go somewhere else.

"Arsenal said they have got plans for me so it is up to them. But I'll wait to see what they offer me at the end of this year. If it is what I want to hear then I might stay but if not, then it will be time to move on.

"I've been at Arsenal since I was nine so it would be a wrench to move. But it is only a football team isn't it. I have to think about myself and my own career and make the right move for me.

"I'm definitely prepared to move. Whatever the best opportunity for me is, I'll take it."

The versatile midfielder started Saturday's game in central midfield before switching to right wing-back after the interval.

And he revealed he had been hounding the Arsenal coaching staff for an opportunity to gain some league experience elsewhere.

He said: "A few clubs came in for me last year but Arsenal wouldn't let me go. This year I have really been pushing to go out because I don't want to play reserve football all the time.

"The thing about being at Arsenal is that you know they sign a lot of young foreigners and the best players in the world.

"The opportunities to progress are limited but you are learning from world class players when you train with the first team. It is swings and roundabouts but of course, you want to be playing.

"Arsenal's set-up is probably one of the best in the world so you know that anywhere else you go probably won't be quite as good. But I don't think that really matters. If you aren't playing, there is not much point in staying.

"I've been knocking on the manager's door and when Bournemouth came in for me, it was left to me to decide. That is why I'm here.

"A lot of young players come down here. It is a good club and they try and play football. When the boss (Sean O'Driscoll) phoned me up to get me to come down here, I thought 'sweet - I'll take that'."

Spicer is also confident he can adjust to the increased competitive edge of League One football after making 25 appearances for the Gunners reserve side last term and one first-team appearance in the Carling Cup.

He said: "This league is a bit quicker and a bit stronger. They are all good players in the FA Premier Reserve League but the difference was that real edge to it. It was harder, but nothing major and I'll be alright.

"All the lads have been good here, the manager has been great and everyone has made me feel right at home.

"I'll see how I do here before we make plans for after this month but I'm looking forward to it."