CHERRIES' utility man James Hayter steps out at Dean Court tonight bidding to secure a regular striker's role - for next season.

With Jermain Defoe away on international duty, Hay-ter looks set to partner Steve Fletcher in the Cherries attack against Division Two strugglers Bristol Rovers (7.45pm kick-off).

But Hayter, whose phenomenal strike-rate has been eclipsed by Defoe, knows his stay up front is likely to be brief and is already preparing for the new campaign.

The 21-year-old marksman has netted nine times in just 17 starts for Cherries this season including three from midfield where he has been deputising for Wade Elliott recently.

But despite his impressive haul, Hayter is already resigned to losing his place when Defoe returns to Dean Court after lining up for England under-18s against Holland on Thursday.

Hayter said: "It is difficult knowing I could score a couple of goals or even a hat-trick and then lose my place, but Jermain's record is second-to-none so I have just got to accept it.

"It's not Jermain's fault he has been called up by England and it would be the same if the boot was on the other foot. If I had scored as many goals as him, I wouldn't expect to lose my place.

"It won't change how I will try to perform because I am always looking to score goals. I know there will be a place up for grabs next season and I want to stake my claim for it now.

"I don't mind where I play because being in the team is the most important thing. I do prefer playing up front and feel it is my best position so when I get the chance, it is up to me to take it."

Hayter, who netted more than 50 goals in two seasons in the youth team under Sean O'Driscoll, is expected to get the nod ahead of his striking rival Chukki Eribenne with Elliott recalled to the right-hand side of midfield.

O'Driscoll said: "James is always liable to score and I think he has had a chance in every game he has played. He is aggressive, puts defenders under pressure and is always a threat.

"He has always had a good goalscoring record, but if I was going to be hyper-critical, I would say he should be taking a greater proportion of the chances which are coming his way. I know young players are not going to be able to perform well in every game, but James has got to start believing just how good he could be because he is a natural finisher."

O'Driscoll is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Gareth Stewart who is likely to face a late test after damaging shoulder ligaments during Cherries' 2-1 defeat at Oldham on Saturday.

Defender Steve Purches, who missed the trip to Boundary Park after aggravating a hamstring injury in training last week, is again expected to be sidelined.

Managerless Rovers are without midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs who is on international duty with Latvia, but add defender Andy Thomson and former Arsenal star David Hillier.

The Pirates chalked up their first league win since November 4 on Saturday and their first at home since April when they toppled Cambridge 2-1.

Cherries: (from) Stewart, Broadhurst, Narada, Howe, Tindall, Jorgensen, C Fletcher, Hughes, Elliott, Hayter, S Fletcher, Eribenne, Smith, O'Connor, Keeler, Day, Menetrier.

Bristol Rovers: (from) Culkin, Wilson, Jones, Bryant, Challis, Foster, Bignot, Owusu, Thomson, McKeever, Richards, Ellington, Ellis, Hogg, Clarke, Hillier, Andreasson.

* Former Cherries youth team defender David Birm-ingham is poised to line up in Wednesday's reserves clash against Gillingham at Dean Court (2pm kick-off).

Current youth team duo Wayne Crutcher and Matt Tubbs are also named in the Cherries squad, despite being told they will not be offered professional contracts by the club last week.