Howe sweating on injury duo

7:00am Wednesday 7th January 2009

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EDDIE Howe is hoping defenders Warren Cummings and Jason Pearce will be fit for Cherries’ League Two clash with Bradford City on Saturday.

Cummings sustained a rib injury during the second half of Cherries’ 2-1 defeat by Darlington, while Pearce tweaked his hamstring in training on Monday.

The pair both sat out training yesterday and were treated for their respective injuries by Cherries physio Steve Hard.

Howe told the Daily Echo last night: “We will monitor them throughout the week to see if they will be available for Saturday.

“Warren hurt his rib against Darlington and had to come off and Jason felt a twinge in his hamstring in training.

“Hopefully, they will both train on Thursday and then it will be down to me to make an assessment as to whether they are fit enough to play against Bradford. We will see how they come through.”

Meanwhile, the Cherries squad received a motivational talk from ex-British heavyweight boxing champion Scott Welch yesterday.

Welch addressed the players at Dean Court after they had taken part in an afternoon speed, quickness and agility session.

Howe added: “Speed is such a big part of football so any little thing you can do to get an extra yard into the boys will be a huge benefit.”