Stech bound for Bournemouth

Marek Stech is set to continue his progress with a week's loan spell at League Two leaders AFC Bournemouth after an impressive run with the reserves.

The 19-year-old Czech youth international goalkeeper most recently caught the eye in the 5-2 win for the second string against Stoke City two weeks ago. Stech made two appearances last season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers before injury cut short his stay. With the 21-year-old Peter Kurucz ahead of him in the Boleyn Ground pecking order behind Robert Green, Stech will hope to impress at Dean Court.

Reserve-team manager Alex Dyer said: "This is a good move for Marek. He needs to play first-team games if he can and feel the atmosphere of that. He did very well for me against Stoke City and deserves this chance."

The 6'4 shot-stopper is the second Academy ace to head to Bournemouth this season after midfielder Anthony Edgar moved to the south-coast club in October and played three games. Stech has yet to play for the Hammers first team but has been tipped for a bright future since arriving in east London in August 2006. He signed a five-year contract at West Ham in summer 2008.

Stech joins Jordan Spence (Scunthorpe United), Matt Fry (Gillingham), Nigel Quashie (MK Dons) and Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace) on loan. Edgar, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Bondz 'Gala and Josh Payne are all back at the club after they all spent time away in the first part of the season.