CHERRIES are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown ahead of Saturday's trip to Division Three rivals Exeter City.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Reading, suffered a double injury setback during Cherries' 1-0 win at Macclesfield three days ago.

Ashdown received a kick on his left knee and also took a blow to the thumb on his right hand as he made a stunning second-half double save.

The giant stopper managed to play through the pain barrier after keeping out efforts from Matthew Tipton and Darren Tinson six minutes after the break.

And although the thumb problem has eased, Ashdown has returned to the Madejski Stadium to receive intensive treatment on his knee from Reading physio John Fern.

Cherries are hoping Ashdown will be fit to resume training at Canford School on Thursday, but Dean Court physio Jim Marshall will liaise with Fern to monitor the situation over the next few days.

Derek Holmes is another early injury doubt ahead of Cherries' trip to Devon after suffering a foot injury which forced him off midway through the second-half at Macclesfield.

The big Scotsman sustained heavy bruising on the top of his right foot after being trodden on twice in the same place by two Macclesfield defenders.

Holmes was due to have a precautionary X-ray at the Nuffield Hospital in Bournemouth and was also forced to sit out training yesterday.

Meanwhile, striker Warren Feeney is making good progress after having an operation to repair ankle ligament damage on Friday.

Feeney was up and about yesterday after having the ligaments in his left ankle re-secured. The Ulsterman is expected to be sidelined until mid-October and is due to have a check-up at the end of next week.