YOUNG guns Brett Pitman and Sam Vokes gave Cherries boss Kevin Bond food for thought ahead of Steve Claridge's imminent arrival at Dean Court.
The two teenagers both played a starring role as Cherries recorded a memorable 2-0 victory over League One leaders Nottingham Forest last night.
Pitman, 18, netted a late penalty to put the gloss on a deserved win while 17-year-old Vokes turned in an eye-catching display after being handed a shock debut.
The duo were drafted in at the 11th hour to deputise for regular strike pairing Steve Fletcher and James Hayter who were both injured.
And with the Cherries squad at breaking point, Bond has now confirmed he will this week draft in veteran marksman Claridge to boost his depleted armoury.
The much-travelled 40-year-old, below, who made his first appearance for Cherries in 1985, will initially pen a one-month deal on pay-as-you-play terms.
Bond said last night: "I've spoken to Steve and he said he would like to come on board and he will give us another option so I'm pleased to have him.
"I've worked with him before and you won't get anybody fitter. He's as fit as a fiddle and takes a great deal of pride in how he looks after himself.
"He trained with us yesterday and you wouldn't have thought he had been away. At anything like his best, he's a real handful so it's a bonus."
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