Cummings bids to lift Cherries

Warren Cummings in action for Scotland Under-21s

By Mark Mitchener

Chelsea defender Warren Cummings is relishing the chance to help Bournemouth to promotion from Division Three.

The left-back had a successful 11-game loan spell with the Cherries in 2000/1, and has now returned for another three-month stint.

"I'm very happy to be back," the 22-year-old Scot told this website.

"As I was here before, it's not as though I'm coming to a new club. I know most of the guys anyway, which helps.

The top three's got to be a realistic possibility

Warren Cummings

"It's only Eddie Howe, Richard Hughes and Claus Jorgensen out of the main first-team squad who have left, along with Jermain Defoe who was on loan - it's a shame we can't have him again!"

After his first spell on the south coast, Cummings returned to Stamford Bridge in January 2001, but has still to make a competitive first-team appearance for Claudio Ranieri's side.

He spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, was in the full Scotland squad which toured the Far East last summer and also served Dundee United earlier this season.

Cummings in Tayside move

"It's good to see different types of play and come up against different standards of players," Cummings admitted.

"At times it can be frustrating, as you're almost living your life out of a suitcase, as I have for the best part of two-and-a-half years now. But it comes with the territory."

However, he is keen to put aside any talk of where his long-term future may be after the next three months at Dean Court - where he is confident of success.

"I'm just concentrating on helping the club get promotion - after that, it's up to Chelsea, Bournemouth and whoever else is involved to decide where my future lies.

"If we play like we did against Wrexham, the top three's got to be a realistic possibility. It's down to us - I think we're as good as anyone in this league, if not better."

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