Pearce looking forward to Saints clash

AFC Bournemouth defender Jason Pearce is looking forward to the derby match on Saturday afternoon.

The Cherries are set to take on League One side Southampton in their first home pre-season game.

Southampton are set to start next season on -10 points following administration, but have now completed their takeover and their future is now secured.

Jason Pearce, who came through the youth ranks at Portsmouth before moving to the Cherries told afcb.co.uk...

'...They have a big test ahead of them starting on minus ten and mentally that will be difficult. It is hard because they can win their first three games and still be at the bottom. We overcame a 17 point deduction and the year before, almost overcame ten, so it can be done and hopefully they will be alright.

'I wish them all the best, but obviously not in the game against us! It is a friendly, but there is an edge to it. For me, I go in to every game with the same attitude and if the ball is there to be won, I'll go through the ball and the player! There's an extra buzz for the players and the supporters because it's a derby and we want to win the game. Hopefully it will be a good crowd and we will be going out to get a good result.'

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