FORMER Bristol Rovers star Sammy Igoe has identified his old team-mate Rickie Lambert as the main danger ahead of today's FA Cup clash at Dean Court.

Cherries' creative midfielder Igoe played alongside Lambert during his time with the Pirates, so he is fully aware of the striker's qualities.

Lambert arrives into this afternoon's first round encounter as the country's leading marksman, with his 15 league goals making him the highest scorer in all four divisions.

And Igoe, who is expected to recover from a groin injury in time to face his old club, believes Cherries will have to be on guard to keep the 26-year-old quiet.

"I know they've found a bit of form recently and my old mate Rickie Lambert is smashing in the goals," said Igoe.

"Having said that, Jo Kuffour will be coming back here for the first time as well and I'm sure he'll have a point to prove.

"The whole time I was at Bristol Rovers we had quite a few decent strikers. I think Rickie Lambert has proved that this year by smashing in 15 goals already and I know Jo Kuffour is a good player."

Describing the type of player Cherries could expect to come up against in Lambert, Igoe said: "He's a big, strong target man but he drops deep a lot, gets on the ball and has long-range efforts. He brings people into play as well.

"He's a good, good player Rickie. But hopefully the lads will get hold of him and stop him from playing."

Igoe is not the only Cherries player ready to return from injury, with defender Scott Guyett set to feature after missing Tuesday's defeat against Colchester.

Manager Jimmy Quinn has also revealed that striker Alan Connell could be named among the substitutes.

He returned to training last week following knee surgery.

Midfielder Mark Molesley, on loan from Grays Athletic, is doubtful.

Meanwhile, Quinn told the Echo yesterday that he didn't expect to secure any loan signings ahead of today's match.

The Dean Court outfit have been linked with a move for striker Anthony Elding this week, but any new arrival before the Bristol Rovers match seems unlikely.

"I've been ringing round a lot of places but nobody wants players cup tied, which I can understand."

One player who will arrive in Dorset next week is Newcastle Blue Star forward Stuart Nicholson.

Quinn confirmed that Nicholson, who has previously played for West Bromwich Albion, Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury and Wrexham, is set to be assessed in Cherries' reserve team match against Plymouth on Monday.

  • Cherries youngster Josh McQuoid has been named in Northern Ireland's under-21 squad for the friendly match against Scotland on November 18.
  • Cherries have reduced ticket prices for this afternoon's match at Dean Court, with adults' prices ranging from £11 to £25, and concessions £5 to £14