CHERRIES star Steve Fletcher faces an anxious wait to discover whether his season may have come to a premature end.

Fletcher partially dislocated his left shoulder during the closing stages of Cherries' 2-1 win over Shrewsbury at Dean Court yesterday.

The 30-year-old targetman sustained the injury as he challenged Shrews' strapping defender Matt Redmile at a corner five minutes from time.

Fletcher was helped off the pitch by Cherries physio Jim Marshall and left Dean Court with his arm in a sling following an examination by club doctor Kevin East.

His condition will be monitored over the next 24 hours and he may be sent for a consultation with top shoulder specialist Simon Lambert at the Stanmore Hospital in London tomorrow.

Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll said last night: "We don't know how bad it is at the moment and we will just have to wait and see whether or not it will keep him out for the rest of the season."

Fletcher had his hands full trying to keep tabs on man-mountain Redmile and his height will again be vital should he be fit to line up against Lincoln City's giant defender Ben Futcher on Saturday.

But with Cherries looking increasingly likely to reach the play-offs, Fletcher may be given time to make a full recovery rather than risk doing any further damage in the final two league games of the season.

Fletcher said last night: "Hopefully the pain will ease off in the next couple of days and everything will be okay. I'll keep my arm in the sling and then see how it is on Wednesday.

"Matt Redmile is the biggest defender I have ever played against and he should be a rugby player. I went back to mark him at a corner and got jammed between him and Neil Moss.

"He grabbed my arm as we were in mid-air and twisted it right round. The shoulder popped out and then popped back in again when I landed. It was shaking for about 15 seconds.

"It went numb and was hanging like a piece of meat. It was very painful and I couldn't move it to start with.

"I wanted to stay on, but as soon as Jim moved my shoulder, the pain was unbelievable. He said there was no way I would be able to mark anybody and that I could do more damage if I stayed on so I came off."

Cherries kept their slim hopes of automatic promotion alive when they hit back to take all three points after going behind to Sam Aiston's early opener.

Scott McDonald netted an equaliser just 22 minutes into his full debut before Wade Elliott capitalised on an error by Shrews goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin to hit the winner on the stroke of half-time.

O'Driscoll added: "That's probably the first time this season we haven't played particularly well but got what we needed so we are delighted."

Cherries will host Premiership new boys Portsmouth for striker Steve Fletcher's testimonial during pre-season. A date is still to be confirmed by the club.