BOSS Steve Cuss said midfielder Katie James deserved “full credit” for answering the call to play in goal for Cherries at the weekend.

Cuss in recent weeks has decided not to name a goalkeeper among his substitutes, which led to a dilemma on Sunday.

With stopper Daniela Kosinska forced off injured on 26 minutes against Bridgwater United, an outfielder had to don the gloves.

James stepped up to the plate and Cherries went on to win 4-2, thanks to late goals from Kenni Thompson and Lucy Cooper, after first-half strikes from Chloe Gilroy and Molly Barron-Clark.

“Full credit to KJ for stepping in and playing in goal,” Cuss said of the 28-year-old, in an interview with Cherries’ website.

“We could have had a goalkeeper on the bench, but I’m always thinking of the attacking options we might need.

“It’s that balance between having a goalkeeper on the bench or not.

“KJ was very good in goal and we hope Dani recovers quickly.

“I knew she had done a little bit of it in beach soccer. So I called her over and assessed our options.

“KJ said it was probably her or Erin (Bloomfield). I wanted KJ to do it to keep Erin up in the top line.

“Full credit to KJ for putting herself forward to do that, being the team player she is.”

James will hope to return to her usual midfield role when Cherries go to Southampton Women tomorrow (7.45pm), to continue their promotion push.