BOSS Sean O'Driscoll has described Cherries utility man James Hayter as "someone we can't do without".

O'Driscoll has lavished praise on Hayter on the eve of the 24-year-old entering the Dean Court hall of fame.

The Isle of Wight-born ace will become the club's 25th all-time record appearance holder when he lines up at Notts County tomorrow (Oct 11).

Hayter, a product of the Cherries youth setup under O'Driscoll, will leapfrog Eddie Howe and Mark Nightingale when he makes his 200th league appearance against the Magpies at Meadow Lane (3pm kick-off).

O'Driscoll, who tops Cherries' record appearance list with 423, said: "James is Mr Versatile. He always gives 100 per cent and is somebody you can trust to play in a number of different positions.

"He's played various positions in midfield, up front and behind the front two, and I know that if ever we needed him to help out in a crisis at the back, he wouldn't let anybody down.

"We miss him for all sorts of reasons when he doesn't play. His corners are excellent and he's good in the air for his size so he gives us an extra body we can put in crucial positions when we need someone who's going to compete."

O'Driscoll, who is also expected to hand Wade Elliott his 150th league appearance at Meadow Lane, added: "A lot of the players have racked up a good number of appearances and part of the reason for that is because they have stayed clear of serious injury.

"Sometimes that's down to luck, but a lot of it is down to how they look after themselves, and James and Wade both realise that if you want to play consistently then there are things off the pitch you need to get into perspective.

"It's been a dream for Wade to come from non-league football to have an unbroken stint in the squad and we hope that he continues to improve and we can look forward to many more appearances from both him and James."

Hayter, who has netted 42 goals in 229 league and cup appearances for Cherries, today revealed how he feared for his future after being frozen out during his early days at Dean Court.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Hayter said: "I was still in the youth team when I made my first appearance as a sub at Peterborough and went on to make a few appearances in my first year as a pro.

"But I wasn't really getting a look-in in my second year and I remember I was sub for the reserves and couldn't even get a game with them.

"There was a stage when I thought I might have to look elsewhere because things weren't going too well for me, but I went on loan to Salisbury and did quite well. I think I scored eight goals in 10 games for them before I was recalled to cover for Mark Stein who had the flu.

"In my first game back I came on as a sub and scored, and have been pretty much a regular in the squad since then."

Hayter added: "Sean has played a massive part in my career.

"He's the one who took me on in the youth team and he's been a big help all the way through.

"It's nice to know I've played nearly 200 league games and I'm still only 24, so I hope there's still a good few years left in me yet."

FACTFILE

Birthplace: Sandown, Isle of Wight Date of Birth: April 9, 1979 Previous club: from trainee Debut: 5 April 1997 Total appearances: 229 (51 as sub) League appearances: 199 (45 as sub) Total goals: 42 League goals: 33 Highs and lows: 24 May 2003 - Cherries 5 Lincoln City 2, Division Three play-off final. Hayter said: "My greatest high was winning promotion and it was a great feeling to play at the Millennium Stadium." 21 Oct 2000 - Bury 2 Cherries 5, Division Two. "On a personal note, the four goals at Bury will always stand out in my mind and something I will never forget." 20 April 2002 - Wrexham 2 Cherries 1, Division Two. "Relegation was the biggest low. It was the worst day of my football career."