JEFF Goulding is desperate to make a success of his crack at the big time after Cherries handed the unproven striker his first opportunity at league level.

The former Fisher Athletic forward completed his transfer to the Dean Court club yesterday after impressing during a successful trial period.

The 24-year-old began his career in the youth ranks at Reading and Crystal Palace but is yet to taste senior professional football.

However, the Londoner might not have to wait much longer as he goes straight into the Cherries squad for tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash against Bristol Rovers (7.45pm).

Goulding, who has signed a one-year deal with a further 12-month option, is determined the make the best of his chance.

"I've come through non-league and have been waiting a long time for this opportunity," he told the Daily Echo.

"I feel I'm definitely good enough and just want the opportunity to show people I can cut it at this level, score some goals and hopefully keep the team in this division.

"It's been great coming down here and it's happened really quickly.

"It's a different life down here from London but I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a fresh start for me and hopefully I can crack on."

Cherries' previous signing from non-league, Marvin Bartley, has turned out to be a success, and Goulding is confident he can make the transition to League Two, which is renowned for its physical nature.

The Croydon-based talent said: "I think looking after myself is probably one of main things I've picked up in non-league.

"I'm a big lad and it's knowing how to use your body. This is probably not too different from the Conference, which is a good thing, but I'll be fine.

"I chip in with a fair few goals and like to think I can do a bit more than that.

"I can come off my man, play people in, set up some goals and I can mix it up, which is obviously good for the club and me.

"But goals get you noticed and goals are what we need."

Goulding's previous clubs include Aldershot, Hayes, Yeading and Grays Athletic, while he has also been capped at England C level.

The striker is named alongside fellow frontmen Brett Pitman, Reneil Sappleton and Craig Lindfield in Cherries' squad for tonight's Dean Court fixture.

But defender Scott Guyett (hamstring) is still unavailable.

For Rovers, ex-Cherries striker Jo Kuffour, who moved to the Bristol outfit last week, could make his debut against his old club.

  • Another man who could be joining Cherries is vastly experienced midfielder Shaun Newton.

The former Charlton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United veteran is unattached and trained with the Dorset side at Canford School yesterday.

Meanwhile, Blue Square South side Bognor Regis have completed the signing of Carl Pettefer after the midfielder's brief spell with Cherries.