CHERRIES star Neil Moss is itching to get his Wembley chance this season, with MK Dons the next obstacle blocking his hometown club's path to London.

The veteran keeper, who has been in good form since regaining the number one jersey from Pompey loanee Asmir Begovic, is hoping to have the opportunity to represent the Dorset club in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at the end of March.

The 32-year-old missed the chance to play on the hallowed turf when Cherries reached the 1998 Auto Windscreens Shield final because he had already moved to south coast rivals Southampton.

But this did not stop the Barton-on-Sea-born keeper, who attended Twynham School in Christchurch, from making the journey to the capital to see the match anyway.

"I'd moved to Southampton before so playing at Wembley is something I'd like to do," Moss told the Daily Echo.

"I did radio commentary when the lads were there last time so I was part of the occasion - it was great.

"I'd love to do it. I played in the play-off final but it would be great to go to Wembley and win it.

"Being the wrong side of 30, the chances are less and less for myself and the likes of Telfs (Paul Telfer). It's one of the last chances maybe."

On paper, Cherries go into the Area Quarter Final as favourites because of home advantage and the fact that they are a league higher than MK Dons.

But Paul Ince's side have been in fine form this season and are four points clear at the top of League Two.

Former England midfielder Ince also has plenty of options at his disposal, so much so that he had the luxury of resting key quartet Keith Andrews, Willy Gueret, Leon Knight and Drissa Diallo for Saturday's FA Cup match at Crewe.

Despite leaving these players out, Ince's side ran the League One outfit close before losing 2-1.

Moss recognises the tough challenge that lies ahead for Kevin Bond's side at Dean Court tonight (7.45pm).

He said: "It's an important game and a route to Wembley, which is a fantastic stadium.

"They're flying and doing well. You can't read into the fact they're a league below because it looks like they're coming up.

"They've moved to a new stadium, have a bit of money and are desperate to climb up and get back to their former glory.

"They've done really well and everyone has them down to win it (League Two), so it's going to be a strong side."

Moss thinks Cherries will miss experienced duo Darren Anderton (hamstring) and Lee Bradbury (suspended), but the ex-Saints stopper is still backing his side to progress.

He added: "We're a bit disjointed but if we can play as well as we have done in the last few league games there's no reason why we can't get a positive result."