JEFF Goulding is eager to make the most of his second chance after seeing his Cherries slate wiped clean.

The former non-league star seemed surplus to requirements at Dean Court under former boss Jimmy Quinn, who loaned the striker out to Conference side Eastbourne Borough.

But now that temporary deal has come to an end – and Quinn has parted company with the League Two club – Goulding looks set for another crack at the Football League under caretaker manager Eddie Howe.

“It’s a good thing for me and I’ve just got to keep working hard, which I felt I was anyway, and try to get the chance and take it,” the 24-year-old told the Echo.

“Eddie’s been good with me and all of them (the coaches) have spoken to me and said the same thing – that it’s a clean slate, what’s happened in the past has happened for the right or wrong reasons, just get your head down and you’ll get your chance.

“Hopefully I’ll take it because we need some goals.”

Cherries have struggled in front of goal for the majority of the season and do not have a huge number of attacking options, with Brett Pitman, Alan Connell and Lee Bradbury the competition for Goulding.

The striker, plucked by Kevin Bond from Fisher Athletic, scored on his Cherries debut against Bristol Rovers and then again in the victory at Bradford City – this weekend’s visitors to Dean Court.

“As a forward, what you’re here for is to score goals,” said Sutton-born Goulding, who has a record of two goals from eight Cherries starts.

“I started six or seven games before and got one goal (in the league) and that was a bit disappointing.

“So I’m looking to get my tally up in the New Year and crack on.”

Although Howe, who took charge for the first time at Darlington on Saturday, admits he has not seen much of Goulding, he does believe the big frontman has the natural gifts to succeed.

“We’ve only got four strikers – Brett, Alan, Jeff and Bradders, who played right-back for us on Saturday,” explained Howe.

“We’re a little bit light in that area so it will be a good chance to bring Jeff in and have a good look at him.

“I think he’s got all the right attributes – he’s a good height and he’s mobile, so it’s an opportunity for him to come in and impress.”