HOT prospect Sam Matthews has become the latest Cherries youngster to begin his fledgling career at Poole Town after joining on a month-long youth loan.

The diminutive 17-year-old midfielder today completed his temporary switch to Tatnam, following in the footsteps of colleague Josh O’Hanlon. Both have been granted permission to play in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Bradford Town.

Matthews, understood to have courted interest from Manchester United prior to signing his first professional contract at Dean Court when he turned 17 in March, featured in Cherries’ high-profile friendly with Real Madrid in July 2013.

He went on to suffer an injury-ravaged campaign but got the chance to impress with Cherries’ first-team during pre-season before trailling at League Two Portsmouth with a view to a loan move last month. 

Poole boss Tom Killick admitted the opportunity had been “too good to turn down” and spoke of his “immense pride” at being entrusted with managing Matthews’ first steps in senior football.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “We feel quite privileged to take somebody of Sam’s calibre. He’s young but it is widely accepted he has massive potential.

“For Bournemouth to trust us with a small part in his development is a real feather in the cap for the club and while I want us to gain from his undoubted ability, primarily these youngsters need to enjoy their football in the right environment.

“When that happens the whole thing tends to be a positive experience for all concerned, so hopefully we can look after him and, most importantly, ensure that he gets plenty out of it.”

The move follows on from the likes of Jon Muleba and Benji Buchel gaining match practice with Poole last season and both Killick and Purches are keen to maintain the flourishing partnership involving Cherries’ rising stars.

Purches said: "I've known Tom for a long time so why not get that link with Poole Town going? At the end of the day everyone benefits from it.

"Our players get exposure to a tough league and, hopefully, Poole benefit from getting some of our players.

"As long as they show the right attitude and remember they're representing the club and themselves then it works for everyone."

Killick added: “I think Bournemouth realise we’re at a slightly better level now, not just in terms of the league we’re in but the quality of the players we have and how we’re performing.

“It is markedly better than a couple of years ago and there is a real incentive for us to make sure it works for all parties.

“We’re probably not going to improve Sam technically in his time with us but we’re hopeful the experience will be valuable for him.”