LYLE Taylor is determined to mount a challenge to Cherries’ top guns after forcing his way back into Lee Bradbury’s plans during an encouraging festive period.

Taylor, who started seven of Cherries’ first nine games of the season, dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of Wes Thomas in September.

And as Thomas continued to produce the goods, Taylor was reduced to a watching brief and went almost four months without adding to his league appearance tally.

However, he returned to the fold against Sheffield United before Christmas and then turned in an impressive display after coming off the bench at Brentford on Boxing Day.

Taylor also featured as a substitute during Cherries’ 2-0 win over Wycombe on Bank Holiday Monday and played his part from the bench in the 2-2 draw at Walsall on Saturday.

The striker, who netted in the reserves’ 2-2 draw at Forest Green on Monday, told the Daily Echo: “It is great to have been involved during the past few games and nice to have been a part of what is happening. It is frustrating when you aren’t around the squad but you have got to keep working hard to make sure you are ready when called upon.

“It is difficult to get a start at the moment because the strikers are firing on all cylinders. Michael Symes, Wes Thomas and Steve Fletcher have all scored in our past couple of games and that is the best possible scenario for the manager.

“I have got to fight for my place and make sure I take it if I get a chance. We have got a good group of strikers and, while it is every man for himself, it is every man for the team as well. A couple of good performances from the bench could see me go from the bottom of the list to the top. Things can change very quickly in this game and a goal would certainly give me a lot of confidence.”

Taylor, who penned a two-year contract when he joined Cherries from Ryman League Concord Rangers in July 2010, is understood to have been a loan target for both Yeovil and Plymouth.

“Going out on loan has crossed my mind,” admitted Taylor, who netted twice in Cherries’ 5-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge in the Carling Cup in August. “If the manager felt it would be in the best interests of me and the club, it is something I would have to consider.

“It has been an up and down 18 months for me. But the club is kicking on now and I want to be a part of it. I have got four months to put myself in the manager’s thoughts and earn another contract. I would love to stay.”