GARETH Stewart is optimistic he can make a swift return to action after sustaining a broken ankle during Cherries' 2-0 win over Hartlepool on Saturday.

X-rays revealed the goalkeeper chipped the fibula bone in his left ankle when he landed awkwardly after claiming a cross towards the end of the first half.

The full extent of the injury will not be known until after he has undergone a follow-up scan this week which should reveal whether or not he has also suffered any ligament damage.

But speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Stewart was remaining upbeat: "The way it feels today, I don't think my season is over and I'm one of those people who's pretty positive about getting back from injuries.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure I'm fit as quickly as possible and I'm optimistic it won't be too long but I will just have to wait and see what happens after the scan. I'm determined to get back as soon as possible to help the team for the rest of the season."

Stewart added: "I was back-peddling when I took the cross and felt a slight nudge. That put me off balance and I came down heavily on it.

"You worry straight away and fear the worst. I heard what I thought was a crack and was scared at first that I had badly broken it."

Stewart was replaced by teenager Ryan Pryce who went on to confidently ensure Cherries kept their fifth clean sheet in the league this season.

And the goalkeeping duties are expected to rest with Pryce for Cherries' tough cross-Pennines double-header at Leeds and Oldham.

It is understood Cherries would only be permitted to draft in a replacement should Pryce become injured due to a Football League transfer embargo.

Boss Kevin Bond had a similar dilemma in January when his plans to draft in Swansea's David Forde were aborted due to Cherries' crippling financial problems.

Bond said: "We couldn't get anybody in before and, with all due respect to Ryan, if I was allowed to get a more experienced goalkeeper in, I would.

"We had a similar problem some weeks ago and although I thought I was able to bring in somebody, I couldn't. I don't think anything has changed on that front and if it has then I'll look to do something about it."

  • Cherries' Pontin's Holidays Combination clash against Yeovil, scheduled for Dean Court tomorrow, has been postponed. It has been rearranged for Tuesday, April 8.