MATT Worthington will have added cause for motivation when he captains Cherries in tonight's Hampshire Senior Cup final at St Mary's Stadium (7.45pm).

The 19-year-old moved to Dean Court five years ago after being released by hometown club Southampton.

His progress this season has been recognised by first-team boss Eddie Howe, who included the midfielder in his travelling party for recent away games at Liverpool and Sunderland.

Now Worthington will wear the armband as Mark Molesley's under-21s target silverware against Southern Premier outfit Basingstoke Town.

Worthington told the Daily Echo: "It will be a great experience and a massive game.

"We dropped too many points to fight at the top of the Central League so this is our chance to get something to show for our work this season. If we can start winning trophies, it will bring us all together and help us in future.

"This is an opportunity to show everyone how we have developed this season.

"We were delighted when we heard the final would be at St Mary’s. It will be nice for me to go back and see a few familiar faces.

"I am a Southampton lad and they are the team I grew up supporting. But it is a big occasion for all of us."

Cherries set up a rematch of their 1989 county final victory over Basingstoke by edging Hartley Wintney 1-0 in the last four.

They have also seen off Brockenhurst, Bashley and Gosport Borough en route to the St Mary's showpiece, all without conceding a goal.

But Worthington – who will be watched, as ever, by dad Garry and a host of family members – acknowledges his team has a tough task to secure the club's first success in the competition since that triumph 28 years ago.

He said: "Basingstoke are a men’s team and not the type of opposition we normally face so we must be prepared for that.

"The way we play – and the AFC Bournemouth philosophy – filters right down to the academy. To me, it is the right way to play.

"It works for the first team so we have to replicate that if we want to go on and play for them.

"Travelling with the first team has been a valuable experience. It is great to see how the lads prepare for games and to get a feel for how things are on a matchday."