Cherries could face a battle to keep prize asset Josh McQuoid at Dean Court with Millwall believed to be leading the chase for the in-form striker.

Lions boss Kenny Jackett was among the crowd to see McQuoid turn on the style during Cherries’ 2-0 win over League One strugglers Yeovil last night.

Jackett chose to run the rule over McQuoid in person after apparently receiving rave reviews about the 20-year-old from his scouting staff.

And the frontman did not disappoint, capping a superb first-half display with a stunning goal to double Cherries’ lead nine minutes before the break.

McQuoid has shot to prominence since the departure of Brett Pitman – who was also at Dean Court last night – and took his tally for the season to 12 against the Glovers.

His goal followed back-to-back hat-tricks in his last two games at Dean Court and came just days after he had won his first senior cap for Northern Ireland.

And with the loan window due to close tomorrow, Jackett could move for McQuoid ahead of the deadline with a view to making the deal permanent in January.

McQuoid, who is under contract to Cherries until the end of this season, is currently in negotiation with the club regarding a new deal and has already expressed a desire to stay.

He is one of a number of strikers to have been linked with Millwall as Jackett looks to boost the Championship outfit’s firepower options.

McQuoid beat Yeovil goalkeeper John Sullivan with a rasping 20-yard strike after Danny Hollands had broken the deadlock with his third goal of the season in the 19th minute.

Discussing McQuoid’s performance, Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: “Josh was really sharp. He was very impressive, not only with his goal, but in his all-round play.

“He’s really improved, his confidence has been boosted and he’s coming along really well. It was a fantastic goal and he’s enjoying his football at the moment and we’re delighted for him.”

Howe was forced to shuffle his pack after losing to injury goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, defender Shaun Cooper and midfielder Marc Pugh during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Orient where Cherries had conceded twice in the closing stages to surrender two points.

“I was really pleased with the response from Saturday’s disappointment and we thoroughly deserved the win,” said Howe, who drafted in Jon Stewart, Marvin Bartley, Liam Feeney and Steve Fletcher.

“People have to remember where we’ve come from and remember how we’re building a young side here and sometimes we are going to have days like that. Putting everything into perspective, I don’t think we are doing too badly.”

Victory took Cherries back into third place in the League One table, six points behind leaders Brighton and two behind second-placed Charlton.