CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll today admitted he was "optimistic" the deal to permanently secure the services of loan star Warren Feeney will be finalised on Monday.

Feeney became an instant fans favourite after netting four crucial goals in 10 appearances during Cherries' thwarted quest for the Division Two play-offs.

The affable Irishman, who is available on a free transfer from Premiership giants Leeds Uni-ted, arrived at Dean Court on transfer deadline day in March.

And, despite always insisting he sees his immediate future on the South Coast, 20-year-old Feeney now appears ready to put pen to paper.

A cautious O'Driscoll said: "I'm optimistic it's all going to go through on Monday. There are a few points that need to be ironed out but, hopefully, there won't be any problems.

"With a club like ours, we can't offer players big money so we have to sell Warren the place in other ways, like the philosophy of the club and what we can offer him as a player. All parties may have to compromise a bit but we are almost there.

"We've made him welcome and done our bit but we have to remain within certain guidelines. The fans have done their bit too and he's enjoyed himself.

"The main thing is Warren actually wants to stay here. And at this stage of his career, it would be the best move for him.

"He's done very well since he's been down on loan and the fans have taken to him in a big way. It will be a great boost for the club knowing we've got Warren signed for next season."

Feeney revealed the Cherries supporters had been a major factor in his decision to stay.

He said: "Sean and Peter Grant have given me my chance and treated me so well and it's encouraged me to stay.

"The fans have also been a big help. They got on my side immediately and when I scored up at Swansea and then again at home against Oxford, they were really behind me.

"It's important for a young footballer to have the fans on his side because it can go the other way sometimes and get nasty. But the Bournemouth fans have played a big part in getting me to stay here.

"I've been out with the boys quite a lot since I've been on loan and they've brought me round to Bournemouth. It's obviously different to what I'm used to but I really like it.

"Sean's also given me belief in what I can do and winning eight of the last 10 games showed me what the club is capable of. I think that's positive for next season and I'd like to be a part of it. Hopefully it will be sorted out on Monday."

l Cherries midfielder Carl Fletcher will undergo an operation on a troublesome groin injury within the next fortnight. Fletcher played through the pain barrier during Cher-ries' play-off run-in but will be fit for the start of pre-season training.