Cherries boss Eddie Howe has revealed that he intends to recruit a midfielder with his one throw of the squad-bolstering dice.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed in Monday’s Daily Echo that the club had been given the green light by the Football League to make a conditional signing.

For the second consecutive game, Howe was able to name just three substitutes – one of which was his assistant Jason Tindall – as Cherries were beaten 2-1 by Hereford last night.

But in a timely boost, he has been handed permission to add to his wafer-thin squad with a further player either on a non-contract basis or an emergency loan, providing their wages do not exceed a weekly cap of about £500.

Following the match at Edgar Street, Howe said: “That option is available to us and we’ll look to try to do something before Saturday.

“We want to make sure we get the right one because I feel we need a particular type of player and we’re just waiting to try to get him.

“It will be a midfielder because I think we need strength in that area. A couple of players are carrying injuries so it would be good to give one or two a rest.”

With all-action star Mark Molesley likely to be out for about three weeks with a foot injury, and the likes of Sammy Igoe (knee), Joe Partington (groin) and Liam Feeney (thigh) all struggling, a further midfielder would be particularly useful.

Cherries asked for special dispensation after Molesley and Ryan Garry were added to the lengthy injury list last week.

And although the club is still subject to a strict transfer embargo, league chiefs finally agreed to their request late last Friday due to the exceptional circumstances.

Reflecting on last night’s defeat at Hereford, Howe, who said three of his tired troops may not have played if he had a bigger squad to select from, added: “The lads showed great character again.

“They never gave up, never let their heads drop and I thought we fought bravely.

“On another day, we could’ve come away with a draw. I thought our spirit and character was outstanding.”

Despite the loss, Cherries remain top of League Two, four points clear of the chasing pack.