FORMER Cherries star Warren Feeney says he is "flattered" by speculation linking him with a move to League One table-toppers Luton Town.

And despite leaving Dean Court in the summer to join relegation-haunted Stockport County, the Ulsterman firmly believes the move has made him a "better player".

Feeney, who moved north following his acrimonious departure from Cherries in July, is ruled out of tonight's (Feb 1)reunion with his old club due to a hamstring injury.

His 10 goals in 27 games for bottom-placed County have made him a target for Luton who are keen to add him to their striking resources in a bid to sustain their challenge for promotion.

Feeney told the Daily Echo: "I think they've made a couple of enquiries. I'm not too sure and I'm only going on what my manager Chris Turner has told me.

"Of course it's flattering to be linked with Luton. They are top of the league and I think they are destined for the Championship. But I'm a Stockport player and the main thing at the moment is to get over my injury and get back playing.

"It's not often a team at the top of the league is linked with a player from a team at the bottom of the same division so that's a big compliment.

"It's up to the two clubs. I don't know if they will take it any further. I've just got to focus on getting fit for the game on Saturday."

Feeney added: "A few people I've spoken to think scoring 10 goals for a team at the bottom of the league is a good return and if I can get between 15 and 18 this season, I would be very happy.

"I know a lot of people in Bournemouth probably wrote me off and said it was a bad move coming up here, but I think it's probably made me a better player.

"We're fighting for our lives and if you stand out in a team struggling at the bottom of the table then people are going to look at you and that's what seems to have happened.

"I won't be playing tonight because my hamstring hasn't recovered from when I strained it last week in training. I think I'll be pushing more for Saturday.

"I'm really disappointed to be missing out. I class this as the return leg against Bournemouth and it was one game I was really looking forward to. But unfortunately these things happen and it's better to miss one or two games than six or seven.

"I think we're struggling with a few injuries and I know a few of the lads are ruled out. Bournemouth are flying at the moment and we're rock bottom so people will probably be putting their money on Bournemouth, but it's going to be difficult for them coming up here.

"The pitch won't help their passing game because there was a rugby match on it at the weekend and I think they had to take the cows off it before kick-off on Saturday!

"We need a good result after what happened on Saturday and I think everyone has already written us off, but the boys have got to go out and show 100 per cent commitment."