Perrett & Gowling fight to face Forest

Defensive duo Russell Perrett and Josh Gowling are facing a race against time to be fit for the season opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The pair both sustained knocks in the friendly at Bristol City at the weekend and missed training this morning. However Cherries physio Steve Hard believes both have at least a 50% chance of being fit for the 2007/2008 curtain raiser.

Perrett damaged medial ligaments having played half the match. His situation will be monitored over the next couple of days and he could resume training on Thursday.

Gowling meanwhile felt the top of his hamstring, but the news on Josh is more promising. He was taken off as a precaution and Steve Hard says the muscle has settled well over the weekend.