CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll has rewarded rising star Matty Tubbs with a deal to keep him at Dean Court until the end of the season, reports Neil Perrett.

The 16-year-old striker has agreed terms to stay on the club's books and will now be invited to train regularly with O'Driscoll's first-team squad.

A product of the Cherries School of Excellence, Tubbs will join youth team trio Wayne Crutcher, Simon Rayner and Dimitri Brinias who have already signed similar agreements.

O'Driscoll said: "Matty is a natural goalscorer and a keen competitor. He has done well in the youth team and he deserves his chance.

"Our youth development system is a grey area at the moment, but hopefully we can sit down shortly and sort out a policy which everybody will be happy with. We need to have a structure in place which means we can start grooming young players like Matty to become professional footballers."

Tubbs became one of the youngest players to score for the club when he netted in Cherries' Avon Insurance Combination win over Barnet last season as a 15-year-old.

And the Verwood-based teenager will be looking to maintain his impressive record when Cherries host Cardiff City in the second round of the FA Youth Cup at Dean Court tonight (7.30pm).

Goals from Tubbs and Steve Moore earned Cherries a crack at the Welsh outfit following their 2-0 victory over first round opponents Chipstead last month.

Cherries youth team manager Terry Wateridge said: "This is one of the toughest draws we could have got. Cardiff have the pick of the best players in Wales and will be very strong.

"But I am sure our lads will give a good account of themselves. They are looking forward to the tie and are full of confidence after the run of results we have had recently."

Cherries: (from) Brinias, Rayner, Crutcher, Sajic, Stone, Tubbs, A Wheeler, Dominy, Moore, Snell, Burt, Gleeson, Henbest, Walsh, Rixon