DEFIANT James Hayter has hit back at suggestions that Cherries need to bolster their front line by declaring: "We have got enough firepower to mount a serious challenge in Division Two."

And last season's 14-goal top scorer is confident he can lead the charge by reaching the magical 20-strike mark this time around.

Hayter's comments come hot on the heels of boss Sean O'Driscoll challenging his players to find the killer instinct following their 1-0 Carling Cup loss at Watford on Tuesday.

Just like at Port Vale three days earlier, O'Driscoll's boys were punished for failing to take the several chances they created as Scott Fitzgerald's winner in the second period of extra-time consigned them to defeat.

But Hayter, who has started the last two games partnering Steve Fletcher up front, believes with Alan Connell, Warren Feeney and Derek Holmes waiting in the wings O'Driscoll has enough attacking options for Cherries to prosper.

He said: "If you look around the strikers, we all got a few goals between us last season.

"Fletch finished one short of double figures, Derek chipped in with a few, Warren got eight in not many and Alan was top scorer before he got injured.

"A lot of people also forget I played 15-20 games in midfield last season and still managed to get 14.

"The quality is obviously there so I do not think we need to strengthen.

"We have got five strikers who are strong enough for us to mount a challenge in this division. We have strength in depth up front we probably have not got in other areas.

"In terms of killing teams off, I think we have to just carry on doing what we are doing.

"We have been creating chances and playing well and we would be a lot more worried if we were not creating those chances.

"Every team needs an out and out goalscorer but I think I have got 20 goals in me this season.

"If I continue up front I think I have got every chance."

Hayter opened his season's account netting Cherries' equaliser at Vale Park before Adrian Littlejohn sealed the points for the hosts three minutes from time. And having ended last term in indomitable fashion - including a headline-grabbing double in Cherries' play-off semi-final, second leg victory over Bury - the 24-year-old former youth teamer is desperate to add to his career tally of 39.

Hayter added: "It is always a big help to score early on.

"For the last few seasons it has taken me a while to get off the mark and it does start to worry you a bit if you do not score.

"But opening my account early will help me relax in front of goal.

"I have started up front this season probably on the back of my form at the end of last season. And it is up to me to keep that going because I know I have got players of Warren, Alan and Derek's ability waiting to take my place."

Meanwhile, midfielder Marcus Browning is expected to be fit for the visit of Barnsley to Dean Court on Saturday after being substituted with an ankle injury against the Hornets.