WARREN Feeney has handed Sean O'Driscoll a timely boost by declaring himself fit for Cherries' tough Bank Holiday double-header against Division Two rivals QPR and Swindon.

Feeney, who has been plagued by injury during the past 12 months, was again on tenterhooks after aggravating a foot injury in Cherries reserves' 1-1 draw against Swansea on Wednesday.

But despite initial fears that he may have fractured the metatarsal bone in his right foot, Feeney was boosted when an X-ray revealed he had only suffered heavy bruising.

And although the Ulsterman admits his foot is still "very sore", he is adamant he is prepared to play through the pain barrier in a bid to help Cherries over the hectic holiday period.

Feeney told the Daily Echo last night: "It was a big relief when the doctor told me I hadn't broken anything. I couldn't walk on it yesterday and couldn't touch it because it was so sore.

"It's settled down a lot now and I've had an ice pack on it for most of today. I've been taking painkillers and will have it padded for the game on Saturday.

"I don't want to miss any games and at times like this you just need to grit your teeth and get on with it. The doctor has said it will hurt if I get another bang on it, but that's a chance I'm prepared to take. I want to be available for the two Bank Holiday games and if I need to rest my foot, I can do that next week."

Feeney's injury nightmare began almost a year ago to the day when he fractured his left ankle during Cherries' 2-0 defeat at Swansea on August 24.

And after spending two months on the sidelines, he was back on the treatment table just weeks later when he suffered ligament damage to the same ankle against Don-caster in the first round of the FA Cup. To cap a miserable campaign, Feeney - who still managed to notch eight goals despite starting just 14 league and cup games - was then ruled out for the rest of the season when he sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland at the start of April.

The 22-year-old striker added: "It was a bad year for me, but as the song goes, things can only get better. Hopefully that's all behind me now and I can concentrate on the future.

"I missed more than enough games last season and the last thing I want is for people to say I'm always injured. If I thought there was any chance of doing any serious damage then I would probably stay behind and although it could be painful, I'm confident I will be able to play if called upon."

Providing he suffers no reaction in training today, Feeney is likely to be on the bench at Loftus Road tomorrow following the impressive display of Cherries strike duo Steve Fletcher and James Hayter against Barnsley six days ago.

Cherries' other main doubt is midfielder Garreth O'Connor who sat out training yesterday due to a rib injury. The Dubliner may face a late test.

Brian Stock returns from international duty with Wales under-21s, while defenders Neil Young and Shaun Maher are still absent, although the duo are expected to return to training next week.

Former Cherries loan player Terrell Forbes looks set to miss out for Rangers after sustaining a shin injury during their stormy 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Monday.

However, defender Clarke Carlisle, who was stretched off at Withdean, is expected to be back in contention, while striker Gareth Ainsworth is also set to return after recovering from a hamstring problem. Kevin Gallen and Richard Pacquette are still reportedly a week away from their respective comebacks.