CHERRIES loan star Garreth O'Connor is set for a spell on the sidelines after being ruled out by a thigh strain.

The Irishman was forced off during the second half of Cherries' Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over Walsall and could be out for between two to three weeks.

Burnley midfielder O'Connor, an ever-present for Cherries this season, is midway through a two-month loan spell which is due to expire on October 10.

O'Connor will sit out when Cherries travel to League One leaders Leyton Orient tomorrow with boss Kevin Bond sweating on the fitness of several key players.

Bond is hoping playmaker Darren Anderton will train for the first time today since sustaining a facial injury during Cherries' midweek cup victory.

Anderton took a heavy blow to the cheek-bone following a collision with Walsall goalkeeper Clayton Ince, although an X-ray on Wednesday revealed no break.

Brett Pitman has also been under treatment from physio Steve Hard after suffering an ankle injury in midweek and is likely to face a late fitness test.

Shaun Cooper, who made nine appearances for Orient during a loan spell in 2003, is expected to miss out due to a groin injury, although Ryan Garry is set to return.

Teenage striker Sam Vokes could be asked to make a quick dash from Heathrow to link up with the Cherries squad once he has returned from international duty tomorrow morning.

The 17-year-old is in line to win his third cap in Wales under-21s' European Championship qualifier against France in Grenoble tonight.

Boss Bond said: "We'll have to see what part, if any, he plays for Wales before we decide what to do. We may need him in the squad so we'll monitor the situation."