CHERRIES have been given a huge boost by news that West Ham will allow hotshot striker Jermaine Defoe to stay at Dean Court for the remainder of the season, should the talented teenager wish to.

The Hammers have also given their permission for Defoe to play in Cherries' FA Cup clash against Swansea City next Saturday.

However, defender Warren Cummings, who yesterday saw his loan period extended for another month by Chelsea, will not feature against the Swans.

Cherries boss Sean O'Dris-coll admitted he was delighted to have secured the signatures of both Defoe and Cummings for the foreseeable future.

He today said: "We spoke to West Ham yesterday morning and extended Jermaine's loan for a month. However, they al-so said we could have him for longer if he wants to stay.

"We've got a deadline of December 31 for Jermaine to decide by, but, obviously, he's only a young lad and it is a big decision for him. He's got to speak to a few people before he makes up his mind.

"Jermaine told me he wanted to play in the FA Cup and West Ham have said he can, it's a fantastic boost for us."

O'Driscoll added: "Warren Cummings went up to Chelsea on Wednesday to sort something out and when I spoke to them, they were happy to let him stay for another month, but they won't let him play in the cup."

Defoe will be hoping to add to his two-goals-in-two-games tally when he and Cummings line-up in Cherries' Division Two clash against Northamp-ton Town at Sixfields today (3pm kick-off).

l Former Cherries loan de-fender Nick Fenton is set to complete a £150,000 move from Premiership Manchester City to Division Two Notts County.

Fenton made four appearances for Cherries after returning to Dean Court in August, having played eight times during a two-month loan period at the end of last season.

The 20-year-old centre-back also lined up against Cherries in County's 1-0 win at Dean Court last month.

O'Driscoll had wanted to secure Fenton on a permanent contract but City's asking price of £200,000 put the deal on ice.

l The draw for the Football League Trophy, formerly the Auto Windscreens Shield, due to have been drawn this morning, is now likely to take place on Saturday, November 18.

A Football League spokes-man said: "There was never any firm date set for the draw, it was more an announcement from Sky TV that it would be today. The sponsorship contract with Auto Windscreens ran out at the end of last season and we are trying to tie-in with the new sponsor before this season's competition is unveiled."