LEAGUE One hotshot Jo Kuffour believes Cherries have the firepower to succeed in the third tier.

The former Dean Court frontman has netted 25 league goals since leaving Dorset for Bristol Rovers in an £80,000 move two years ago.

Contracted to the Pirates, Kuffour looks set to lock horns with some familiar faces next term after Eddie Howe’s men secured an against-all-odds promotion.

And while the higher level will provide Cherries with a stern test – particularly given the lofty status of some of the opposing clubs – Kuffour thinks his former club will fare well.

The ex-Arsenal trainee says past experiences within Howe’s squad will mean the new league holds few surprises for many of them.

Giving his views on what Cherries could expect, seasoned League One campaigner Kuffour told the Echo: “The league is the same as it was when Bournemouth were in it. It was just unfortunate that we had to go into administration then we went down.

“Most of the players have played in League One already so I’m sure they will know what to expect.”

The frontman, who hit 12 league goals in his year with Cherries after being signed by Kevin Bond, backed his counterparts to do the job in front of goal.

“I don’t know what it’s like in League Two because I haven’t played there for so long, but there are good defenders in League One,” he said.

“But with the strikers Bournemouth have got, I don’t think they will have a problem scoring goals.”

Highly-rated forward Brett Pitman is the man most likely to carry Cherries’ main goal threat and Kuffour revealed he always felt the Jerseyman would make a name for himself.

Kuffour starred as Cherries came agonisingly close to completing the Greatest Escape last time they were in the division, following a 10-point deduction for going into administration.

The 28-year-old still keeps a close eye on the Dorset outfit and he was delighted to see them escape the basement division to climb back up the English football ladder.

He added: “I follow all the teams that I’ve played for.

“I was pleased for all the lads that are still there, especially Eddie Howe as well.

“Eddie was sound with me. I knew he’d go on to be a manager but not so early. He was thrown in (as manager) and has done tremendously. He was the manager of the year for me.”