Mick Wadsworth faces a striker crisis as the U's travel to play Bornemouth on Saturday.

With Jason Dozzell suspended for one match, and the loan of Mark Sale to Plymouth for the remainder of the season, Wadsworth's plans have been hit by the failure to get international clearance for French Youth International striker, Steve Germaine.

And more bad news for the U's boss today was that Karl Duguid injured his back in training yesterday, and faces a race against time to start at Dean Court, tomorrow.

"Steven looks a handy lad up front, well built and strong. We've signed himn until the end-of-the-season, so there's no problem there," said Wadsworth.

"But we have to get international clearance from both his club, AS Cannes, and the French FA. It could come through in a few hours or a few days - it's just one of those things.

"If we don't get clearance in time for Steven to play, with Jason Dozzell being suspended and Karl Duguid facing a late fitness test, I will have the option of pushing loan signing Brian Launders, Warren Aspinall or Neil Gregory up front."

Bournemouth are going to be a tough nut to crack for the U's, the south coast outfit challenging promotion.

They have only lost once at home this season, and Wadsworth added: "I looked at the match programme when I first came and realised that this was probably the tougest few weeks as far as matches go.

"We will be looking to return with the points, but won't be underestimating the opposition."

The U's are in danger of getting sucked in to the relagation dog-fight and three points tomorrow will ease the pressure.

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