Cherries: Defoe's delight at Edgar loan move

Manager Eddie Howe yesterday signed the highly-rated teenager on a month’s loan after being given permission to bolster his injury-hit squad by the Football League.

Edgar, 19, trained with his new team-mates at Canford School yesterday before putting pen to paper.

And his switch was given a glowing endorsement by relative and former Cherries favourite Defoe, who himself enjoyed a highly successful loan spell with the Dean Court club before going on to become one of the country’s most prolific strikers.

Edgar, who can play on either wing or behind the forward line, said: “I spoke to Jermain on Wednesday night and he was buzzing for me that I was coming to Bournemouth. He said ‘it’s a good experience there so just get there and do your thing’.

“I was happy coming here. Bournemouth are doing well in the league and hopefully I can add something to the team.”

The prospect is likely to make his first appearance in tomorrow’s League Two clash at Port Vale.

“I got a call on Wednesday from the first team coach at West Ham,” he added. “We went through a few agreements then I was excited about the move and thought ‘yeah, I’ll take this opportunity’.

“This is my first loan move and I’m really excited about it. Hopefully I can play some games, get some experience and push on.

“I’m excited about the first game against Port Vale.”

With the Hammers since the age of nine, Edgar has progressed through the academy at his local club.

The untried youngster is now eagerly awaiting the trip to Vale Park, where he is confident he can do the business.

“The first team coach at West Ham was telling me that it is a very big pitch at Port Vale and hopefully I’ll do well,” added the East Londoner.

“I know I’ll do well. I’m confident and I’m raring to go.”

With his first-choice wide |players Sammy Igoe, Liam Feeney and Mark Molesley all carrying injuries, Edgar’s arrival comes as a timely boost for boss Howe.