Bournemouth have completed the signing of Portsmouth defender Joel Ward on a season-long loan.

The Cherries, whose Football League future is under threat due to financial problems, could hand Ward, 18, his debut against Gillingham on Saturday.

Manager Kevin Bond said: "I've got no doubt that he can handle it and I'm looking forward to see how he does.

"He's very much part of the squad already. Everybody knows him and I hope he has a really good season."