HEREFORD old boy Alan Connell insists Cherries will head to his former club “full of confidence” – even though he knows they need to start upping their game.

Connell staked his claim for a recall against the Bulls tonight by helping Cherries maintain pole position in League Two following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Burton.

According to boss Eddie Howe, the 26-year-old striker “changed the game for us” after had come off the bench as a 60th-minute replacement for Josh McQuoid.

Connell has been restricted to just two starts this season since returning to action having made a full recovery from a knee injury that dogged him for 12 months.

Speaking to the Daily Echo ahead of Cherries’ trip to Edgar Street (7.45pm), Connell said: “I thought Saturday was very similar to a lot of other games this season and we feel there is more to come.

“I know it’s a good sign if we can keep winning games when we’re not at our best, but we’ve got to start playing well sooner rather than later and then we will win more convincingly.

“The supporters were great and everyone has been very appreciative of them. Hopefully, they will keep coming back and we can reward them with more victories.”

Connell, who made 50 appearances for Hereford in 2006-07, added: “They have had a stuttering start to the season and we can go there full of confidence.

“Like us, they pass the ball so it should be a good game. We know it’s going to be difficult because their fans really get behind them.

“It doesn’t seem to matter which squad we put out because there is such good spirit in the camp and we feel we can compete with anyone in this league.

“I know two games in four days are a tough ask for such a small squad but, sometimes, a lot of it is mental and we feel we are as strong mentally as any other team.”

Connell’s cameo against Burton, which saw him provide the assist for Brett Pitman’s winner, has given Cherries boss Howe food for thought ahead of their trip up country.

Howe said: “Alan retained the ball really well. He held it up and ran in behind their defence. His touch was excellent. He played a part in the goal and brightened us up.”

Meanwhile, Connell admitted the presence of 16-year-old youth teamer Jayden Stockley next to him on the bench against Burton had given him something of a shock.

“I thought it was a mini-me!” he joked. “I met him on Friday and didn’t know he was going to be on the bench. I saw his shirt in the dressing room and thought we had signed a new player! He’s a good lad and was delighted to be involved. I’m sure he enjoyed his day.”

Midfielder Marvin Bartley is added to the Cherries squad, although youth team striker Jayden Stockley is unlikely to travel. Boss Howe is again expected to name just three substitutes.