It's been a disappointing start to the season for Bournemouth but the Cherries gave themselves a much-needed confidence boost on Saturday after a 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers. That win at the Memorial Ground, courtesy of a James Henry brace, lifted the club off the bottom of the League One table, but there is no time to bask in that glory because tonight they face mighty Leeds United at Dean Court. The visitors will be looking to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league record in the 3-1 defeat at leaders Carlisle at the weekend. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with defender Neil Young, who is currently regaining his match fitness on loan at Weymouth after recovering from an early-season knee injury.
Q:IT'S BEEN A FRUSTRATING START TO THE SEASON FOR YOU SO FAR, HASN'T IT?
A:Yes, I was suspended at the start of the season, which didn't help my cause, and then I picked up a knee injury that took a little bit longer to recover from than I expected. It was a grade one tear to the medial ligament in my knee and I was hoping to be out for a couple of weeks but in the end I was sidelined for five weeks.
Q:HOW DID THE LOAN MOVE TO WEYMOUTH COME ABOUT?
A:I spoke to the gaffer (Kevin Bond) and we both felt it was in my interests to go out on loan and get some games under my belt. At the end of the day I'd much rather be playing competitive football rather than playing in the reserves. So I've signed for Weymouth for five weeks and I'm looking to enjoy playing some regular football again before I go back to Bournemouth. I've been given the green light to play in the FA Cup against Eastbourne this weekend so it's a chance to get another 90 minutes of fitness.
Q:HOW MANY GAMES HAVE YOU PLAYED FOR WEYMOUTH SO FAR?
A:I only signed last Friday but I actually made my debut on Friday night against Aldershot. We lost the game 2-0 but played well against a side that are one of the favourites to win promotion to the Football League. But our performance showed that we are capable of not being too far away from them come the end of the season.
Q:HAVE YOU SETTLED IN QUICKLY THERE?
A:It's been very easy for me to settle there because a lot of the players at Weymouth used to play for Bournemouth. I played with the manager Jason Tindall and his assistant Marcus Browning at Dean Court so it's just like being home from home.
Q:HOW LONG IS YOUR CONTRACT AT BOURNEMOUTH?
A:I’'e only got this year so it's important that I play well here and then push hard to try and win a place in the side when I go back. If, when I do go back, I'm not in the manager's plans I would consider extending my loan period at Weymouth if it suits them. Obviously, it all depends on how things pan out over the next few weeks so we'll just have to see how it goes.
Q:WILL YOU BE AT THE LEEDS GAME TONIGHT?
A:Yes, I shall be there cheering on the lads. It's been a tough start but that win against Bristol Rovers on Saturday has given them something to build on. It's not going to be easy though because Leeds have been in outstanding form up until their loss at Carlisle at the weekend.
