CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll is today hoping to complete a beat-the-deadline loan move for highly-rated Portsmouth defender Lewis Buxton.

O'Driscoll is poised to sign the 19-year-old on a month's loan after being given clearance by the Football League to add to his squad.

Isle of Wight-born Buxton looks set to be drafted into the Cherries squad for tomorrow's trip to Division Three rivals Cambridge United (3pm kick-off).

O'Driscoll finalised the deal with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp late last night and the player is expected to complete the paperwork for his move today.

Although O'Driscoll has kept tabs on Buxton, the youngster was also highly recommended by former Cherries star Mark O'Connor, who is on the coaching staff at Fratton Park.

Buxton has been restricted to just one sub appearance for Pompey this season and also played six league and cup games during a loan spell with Exeter City in October.

But under former Pompey boss Graham Rix, Buxton commanded a regular starting role last season when he made 29 appearances in Division One.

And he was one of the few shining lights during an indifferent season for the Fratton Park outfit and remains a big favourite among the Pompey faithful.

O'Driscoll said: "The Football League have given us permission to sign a loan player and I am hoping to bring Lewis in on a month's loan today.

"They were agreeable to relaxing our transfer embargo because of the injury situation and because of the pledge of funds we have had to help clear our outstanding debt to the PFA.

"Harry has agreed to let us have him and the player is also aware we are interested. Hopefully everything will be sorted out today."

O'Driscoll has been desperate to bolster his defensive resources in the wake of Neil Young sustaining a broken ankle during Cherries' FA Cup clash against Crewe six days ago.