CHERRIES striker Jake Scrimshaw “can’t wait” to kick-off his loan spell with National League Eastleigh and added: “I want to play as much as I can.”

The talented frontman enjoyed a successful loan spell at Poole Town last season, as well as scooping Cherries’ under-18 player of the year award.

And now he has made the step up to the under-21 squad at Vitality Stadium, Scrimshaw was keen to test himself on loan with Eastleigh until the end of the season.

He told the club website: “I loved playing at Poole last year and now I can’t wait to get started at a higher level.

“I was told Eastleigh were interested and I was very excited about the opportunity to join.

“I want to play as much as I can and show the fans what I can do.”

The Spitfires are currently 16th in the National League, Scrimshaw could make his debut at home against Chesterfield tomorrow (3pm).

Eastleigh boss Ben Strevens said: “I saw him play a bit last year at Poole and he impressed me then, and when I saw a Bournemouth under-23 match in the summer he impressed me again.

“He’s had other interest from other teams in our league, so I’m really glad to have him here. He’s lively, gets in behind and works really hard, so he’ll be a welcome addition up front.”