CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll wants to reward rising star Wade Elliott with a new long-term contract.

Elliott has started to establish himself as a first-team regular at Dean Court just 12 months after joining the professional ranks from non-league Bashley.

The 22-year-old has also been attracting attention from several other clubs and O'Driscoll is keen to offer the highly-rated midfielder an improved deal.

Elliott has netted seven goals in 35 starts for Cherries since his £15,000 move from the Dr Martens League outfit last February.

And although Cherries could exercise a one-year option on his existing 18-month deal which expires at the end of this season, O'Driscoll believes Elliott's rapid progress justifies a pay rise.

O'Driscoll said: "Wade is still under contract to us for another 12 months because we will definitely take up the option, but he deserves a new deal.

"It is something we have talked about over the past few weeks and hopefully something can be finalised in the near future.

"Wade has still got a lot to learn, but he has done very well and we would like to keep him for at least another two or three years."

Elliott deferred his degree studies in sociology and communications at Goldsmiths College in Lewisham to try his luck in the pro ranks.

And after scoring on his full league debut against Wycombe last season, he soon become a firm crowd favourite and has been hailed as the new John Bailey by some Cherries fans.

Elliott said: "I would love to be part of the club's long-term plans and am looking to prove my worth between now and the end of the season.

"I know the club have got a one-year option, but I would be delighted to sign for longer because I know Sean wants to keep the core of the squad together.

"I have only got one year left of my studies and am allowed to take up to two years out so if the club want me for longer than 12 months, it would be prudent to finish my degree another way.

"I have already looked into joining the Open University or I could start evening classes at either Bournemouth or Southampton.

I wanted to get a degree so I could enjoy and look forward to going to work every day, but I love what I am doing now and would like to make a career out of football."