CARL Fletcher is keen for Cherries to "put on a good performance" for stricken Corey Jordan when they aim for cup glory at Vitality Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

Jordan, who has been at the Dorset club for a decade having joined at under-eight level, last week sustained a serious knee injury during the under-21s' friendly against Sampdoria.

The Mudeford-based defender is understood to have damaged his anterior cruciate ligament after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge. And Cherries manager Eddie Howe later admitted it was “not looking good” for the highly-rated youngster.

Speaking ahead of the Youth Alliance Cup southern section final against Luton Town, under-18s boss Fletcher told the Daily Echo: "It's disappointing for Corey to be injured.

"He hasn't generally been with us this year as he's been with the under-21s but everyone round the club feels for him and everyone is hoping he makes a good recovery.

"It would be nice if we can put on a good performance for him."

Cherries booked their place in the final following a dramatic 2-1 win against Youth Alliance south west division winners Leyton Orient last month. Luton, who finished fifth in the south east section of the Youth Alliance, progressed after beating Plymouth Argyle on penalties.

Fletcher hopes his charges will flourish under lights, with free entry available to spectators.

"It will be a great experience for the lads to play in a Premier League stadium," he said.

"In the past when we have played in stadiums, it has affected the players a couple of ways. Sometimes they have got too nervous, got too much adrenaline and burned themselves out after about 20 minutes.

"But it's more of a mental thing, a mental experience. They have to treat it as a normal game. Whatever kind of game we play during the year, be it friendlies, league games or cup games, we always try to treat them the same.

"They have to deal with their emotions and try to keep them in check so they can perform.

"It will be a good game for us. The majority of the players will be first years and 16s so it will be a great experience for them to play on a bigger stage than normal."

Fletcher admits his role involves maintaining a balance between playing "the right way" and getting the results which breed a positive mindset.

He added: "We want to instil a winning mentality and that's not just about an odd game, that's on a daily basis.

"For us, especially at this club, it's winning the right way. It's about making sure we play how we want to play and, hopefully, if we do that well enough, you get results at the end of it.

"That's the key thing we try to instil in our players as they develop in the academy.

"We want to perform well and win at the same time, and if you perform well enough on a consistent basis then results take care of themselves."