BRIAN O'Donnell believes nurturing more homegrown talent is vital to Cherries' future.

The former professional, who works as a coach alongside Joe Roach in the Dean Court club's youth set-up, praised the youngsters who have performed admirably in the first team this season.

And he thinks unearthing and producing more quality teenagers can stand the Dorset outfit in good stead.

Speaking before Thursday's takeover revelations, former Cherries and Torquay United player O'Donnell said: "I think the youngsters have done remarkably well, some of them probably weren't quite ready, but they've all stepped up to the plate and done themselves no harm at all.

"All in all it's pleasing for Joe and myself that they can step up and do that. I'm absolutely delighted that as many as possible can get involved and perform the way they have done.

"I'm not sure but I think this is probably the club where they're playing the most youth team players and this is where they're getting the chances.

"It has to be the way forward for teams at this level anyway, you can't afford to go out and buy players, therefore developing players is beneficial."

O'Donnell, who made 14 league appearances for Cherries between 1981 and 1982, is hopeful that some of the club's youth team stars can earn professional contracts.

He said: "Anyone who's stepped in has done great. Ryan Pryce came in and looked like he'd been playing there for years. If they continue in the right vein I'm pretty sure they've got a chance. You don't know but I certainly would like to think some of them would get contracts."

O'Donnell has been working in the club's youth department for the past two years and he will be an interested onlooker when Cherries take on Bristol Rovers tomorrow afternoon at Dean Court (3pm).

The former Poole Town, Bournemouth Poppies and Salisbury City coach will have a foot in both camps as he also turned out for Rovers during his playing career.

Meanwhile, Cherries' youth team continued their decent form in the Puma Youth Alliance South West Conference with a 2-2 draw at Oxford United last weekend.

Matt Kemble and Danny Ings were both on target for Joe Roach's side, who do not have a fixture today.

Cherries Youth: Thomas, Reeve, Queree, Harris (Magookin), Newton, Green, Rose, Burbidge (Hill), Preston, Kemble, Ings (Annetts).