ROB Newman insists Cherries must be "ready" to contain Port Vale's new-look strike force despite the absence of dangermen Akpo Sodje and Leon Constantine.

Sodje and Constantine both netted twice as the Valiants recorded a League One double over Cherries last season but have since left Vale Park for pastures new.

Constantine, Vale's top scorer last season with 26, joined Leeds earlier this month, while Sodje yesterday completed a £300,000 move to Sheffield Wednesday.

The prolific pair formed a lethal attacking triumvirate with Luke Rodgers, who looks set to partner new recruit Marc Richards against Cherries tomorrow.

And with Rodgers also finding the net against Cherries on the final day of last season, assistant boss Newman knows the Vale frontmen could be a big danger.

Newman said: "Sodje was one of their main threats so it's good that he's gone. But, on the other hand, it opens the door for someone else to come in and grab their chance.

"I played against Luke when he was at Shrewsbury and although he's lost a bit of pace, he's still very tenacious. He is also a great goalscorer and that is something you never lose so we'll have to be wary of him.

"Without wanting to tempt fate, we've looked pretty strong at the back in our four games this season and I'm quite comfortable that anyone who plays against our defence is going to have a tough time."

Newman added: "Port Vale did the double over us last season and hopefully that should be motivation enough for our players.

"The 2-1 defeat on the final day of the season was a bit of a non-event but the resounding 4-0 home defeat still leaves a sour taste in my mouth."

Paul Telfer and Russ Perrett could be in contention for Cherries after both coming through training this week.