CHERRIES' new recruit Amos Foyewa today pleaded with the Dean Court faithful: "Don't compare me with Jermain Defoe".

Foyewa became Sean O'Driscoll's second summer signing when he joined Cherries on a free transfer from West Ham yesterday after agreeing terms for a two-year deal.

The 19-year-old striker's career has followed a similar path to Defoe and the two players grew up together in the London borough of Newham and also attended the same school.

Foyewa and Defoe also started out together as schoolboys with Charlton before they both joined the ranks at Upton Park under former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp.

But although Foyewa knows he will be under pressure to emulate Defoe's stunning achievements of last season, the teenager is desperate to make his own mark with Cherries.

Foyewa, born in England to Nigerian parents, said: "I know Jermain came here and did really well, but I have come here to establish myself. I am the new Amos Foyewa and not the next Jermain Defoe.

"I am not Jermain's replacement, I am my own man.

"I want to make my own name and if things work out like they did for Jermain then great, but if they don't, then so be it.

"Jermain is a really great player, but I have still got to prove myself at this level. I know people will compare us, but I am a totally different player to him.

"He is a natural finisher whereas I'm a strong runner who looks to set up goals as well as score them and I would hope to get my fair share.

"My first target is to get in the team and that won't be easy because nobody is going to lie down and give you their place.

"I have got to prove myself to the manager during pre-season and show him I am willing and ready to go."

Foyewa's arrival follows hot on the heels of O'Driscoll's capture of Warren Feeney from Leeds and will increase competition for places among the Cherries strike-force.

O'Driscoll saw off interest from Southend to secure Foyewa after Shrimpers' former Cherries boss David Webb made an approach for the teenager at the end of last season.

Cherries manager O'Driscoll said: "Amos will give us a bit more strength up front. He is a different type of player to Jermain, a lot more muscular, but not as fleet-footed.

"He has got a great deal of potential which we are hoping to exploit. I think the fans will take to him when they see him and they can certainly play a big part in helping us get the best out of him."

O'Driscoll, whose squad return to pre-season training today, is still waiting to discover whether out-of-contract midfielder Claus Jorgensen will be staying at Dean Court.

He added: "Hopefully it will be sorted one way or another within the next day or two. I have spoken to Claus's agent and I am waiting for a response.

"If he decides to stay it will be fantastic, but if he chooses to leave then we will have a midfield berth to fill and that will dictate the type of player we will be looking to bring in on trial."

Defender Neil Young will start pre-season after being given the green light to resume full training following his knee operation, while full-back David Birmingham has been retained on a non-contract basis and will also link up with Cherries today.