LYLE Taylor admits it is up to him to prove his worth as he bids to achieve his primary target – a new Cherries contract.

The out-of-favour striker is aiming to press his claims for an extended stay in Dorset while on loan with League Two outfit Hereford United.

Taylor, 21, has had limited first-team opportunities since his arrival at Dean Court in August 2010.

Signed by ex-boss Eddie Howe on a two-year contract, the former non-league hotshot has been restricted to 11 starts and 15 substitute appearances for Cherries.

In recent months, he has dropped further down the pecking order following manager Lee Bradbury’s raid on Crawley Town for attacking duo Wes Thomas and record signing Matt Tubbs.

Taylor joined Hereford on a one-month loan when the emergency window opened and he is determined to make the most of his chance with the Bulls.

He is set to feature when Hereford host high-flying Swindon Town today after starting at Aldershot in midweek and making his debut from the bench against Cheltenham last weekend.

Taylor told the Daily Echo: “It is a chance to show Hereford, myself, the clubs that play in League Two and the gaffer (Bradbury) what I can do and then see what comes of that.

“I would love to be at AFC Bournemouth next year, the year after and for however long they see fit for me to be playing for AFC Bournemouth, I would love to be there. First and foremost, that is where I would like to be.

“I have got more to prove and more to show, but that is up to me. That is where Hereford come into it.

“I have got another three weeks or whatever it may be to play games, be here and do the best I can for this club and see what comes of that.”

Boss Bradbury revealed Taylor had been frustrated at a lack of game-time prior to his Hereford switch.

Taylor said: “I was getting frustrated with myself and when I made mistakes in training and things like that, it got to me a bit more than it would have normally.

“I just wanted to play games and that comes across and comes out in different ways.”

Asked what he had made of Cherries’ recruitment of fresh attacking talent such as Thomas and Tubbs, Taylor added: “You don’t really think about it and you have to concentrate on yourself.

“It has been hard because I have found opportunities limited, but now I have got the chance so I have got to make the most of that and go from there.”