CHERRIES captain Steve Fletcher is finally poised to hit the comeback trail after spending more than three-and-a-half months on the sidelines.

Fletcher, who has been ruled out by a serious knee injury since pre-season, has been pencilled in to make his return in Cherries' Avon Insurance Combination trip to Cheltenham Town on Wednesday (2pm kick-off).

The 29-year-old targetman will be given a brief run-out at Whaddon Road under the watchful eye of manager Sean O'Driscoll who is hoping to have Fletcher back in contention for a first-team place in the next few weeks.

O'Driscoll said: "We are trying to be careful with Fletch because he's been out quite a long time so there's no point in rushing him back at this late stage.

"He returned to training last week and now we need to know how his knee will stand up in a game situation.

"We will probably leave it to him whether he starts against Cheltenham or comes on as a substitute, but this is an ideal opportunity for him to play.

"He's got the type of injury that we need to monitor day-by-day and if he gets any reaction to training this week, we won't risk him against Cheltenham.

"But so far he has come through everything he has done and if we can keep that going, he won't be too far away from returning to the first team."

Ryan Woolfenden could also be handed a start against the Robins after impressing O'Driscoll and player-coach Peter Grant during several eye-catching displays in the youth team.

Attacking midfielder Woolfenden and youth team striker Jon Rodriguez have both been named in a 16-strong squad for the trip to Gloucestershire.

Richard Hughes will continue his return from injury.

O'Driscoll is unlikely to pursue his interest in trialist Jamie Horsley, who spent last week training with the Cherries.

Cherries: (from) Menetrier, Rayner, Mathie, Birmingham, Maher, Smith, Tetu, Ford, Hughes, Huck, O'Connor, Eribenne, Kandol, Fletcher, Woolfenden, Rodriguez.