CHERRIES striker Warren Feeney is targeting a return to match action next week after completing his recovery from a broken ankle.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international has been sidelined for almost two months with a slight fracture on the medial side of his left ankle and ligament damage.

But he returned to light training six days ago and is expected to take part in full sessions for the first time today.

Feeney, who sustained the injury during Cherries' 2-0 defeat at Swansea on August 24, said: "I had hoped to play in the reserve game at Peterborough today but the physio Jim Marshall felt that was probably a week too early.

"So I'm hoping to feature in our LDV Vans Trophy match at Oxford on Tuesday and in the Fleet Town game in the Hampshire Senior Cup when it is played.

"If I can get 20 minutes in one and even half an hour in the other it would be great.

"I'm on course to be back a week and a half earlier than what the doctor initially said after the operation."

The return of Feeney will boost Cherries' fast-gathering promotion drive, which has gained even more momentum following their hard-earned 2-1 win over Hartlepool on Sunday.

With the emergence of seven-goal striker Alan Connell, Sean O'Driscoll's side have dramatically climbed the Division Three table from 22nd place to fourth in Feeney's enforced absence.

There is no doubt, however, that the return of the club's leading goalscorer from last season - Feeney got 13 - will give the manager even more attacking options.

With big targetman Steve Fletcher, who lines up for a full game at Peterborough today, also almost back to full fitness, the Dean Court striker department has suddenly become the least of O'Driscoll's concerns.

Feeney, who has been treated by leading orthopaedic consultant Gavin Bowyer, said: "Almost two months is the longest I have been out injured during my career.

"And it has been frustrating because you think you can do things to return quicker but you can't. You just have to be patient.

"The boys have done well while I have been sidelined and full credit to them. The team are playing great at the moment and that is the important thing.

"I just have to work hard in training and show the boss I am determined to get back in the side."

Loanee Liam Ridgewell, the left-sided central defender from Aston Villa, is expected to play at least 45 minutes of Cherries' Avon Insurance Combination clash at Peterborough this afternoon (2pm).

It will be the first sustained action the youngster will have in a Bournemouth shirt after completing his one-month move from the Premiership club.

Ridgewell came on as a second half stoppage time substitute in Cherries' win over Hartlepool.

Cherries' scheduled home FA Youth Cup first round tie against Southend last night (Oct 15) was postponed because of a waterlogged Dean Court pitch.

The match has been re-arranged for next Wednesday, October 23.

Leyton Orient have changed the area inside their ground allocated to Cherries fans for Saturday's match in London.

On police advice, Cherries supporters will be placed in the North Terrace instead of the North East Stand, as previously publicised by both clubs.

The change has been made because Orient believe more than 1,200 - the capacity of the North East Stand - Cherries fans will attend the game.

Orient's North Terrace can accommodate up to 1,500.