BOSS Eddie Howe is still holding out hope of making Steve Lovell his first summer signing after the out-of-contract striker rejoined the Cherries squad today.

Howe’s brother Lovell, who has already spent a week training with Cherries, appeared to be heading back to Scotland after being offered terms by Premier League Hamilton.

But despite spending the past week north of the border, the 28-year-old last night returned to Dorset and will link up with Howe’s charges at Canford School.

Speaking to the Daily Echo following Cherries’ friendly at Ringwood last night, Howe confirmed: “Steve is driving back down from Scotland tonight and will line up with us in training tomorrow.

“There is still a lot to be decided because of our situation but it’s a positive from our point of view that he’s coming to train with us again.

“He was never ruled out. I knew he was going back to Scotland because that’s where his home is. He said he was hopeful he would come back and, thankfully, he is.

“The possibility (of signing him) is getting closer, though not through lack of options on his part. I think he enjoyed his time with us last week. He enjoyed training and I think that has played a big part in his decision to return.”

Although Cherries are currently unable to sign Lovell due to a strict Football League transfer embargo, the Daily Echo believes the ban could soon be either lifted or relaxed.

Meanwhile, Howe ran the rule over several new trialists as a Cherries XI fought out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Wessex League Ringwood last night.

Goalkeeper David Blackmore was joined in the Cherries line-up by defenders Luke Ruddick and Marlon Patterson, midfielders Pascal Ebigbo, Paolo Vernazza and Omar Garcia, and striker Jon Browne.

Howe added: “It was a chance to look at some players who had been recommended to us by agents. It’s always useful to see them in the flesh and, from our point of view, it was a good exercise.

“It’s always very difficult for the boys because they have to stand out to be given a second chance. But that’s how it has to be because you get offered a million players and can only look at a certain few.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to impress and although there were a couple of decent performances, whether they will be good enough to play in the first team remains to be seen.”

The only worthwhile goalmouth incident of the match saw Nigerian Ebigbo strike the post in the first half, while Ringwood, who included Dan Morrell, son of former Cherries star Paul Morrell, would have been encouraged by their defending.

Cherries: Blackmore, Ruddick, Broadhurst (Oldring, h-t), Thelwell (Costa, h-t), Patterson (Green, 80), Ebigbo, Vernazza, Webb (Magookin, 70), Garcia, Browne, Hutchings (Burbidge, 70).

Ringwood: Page, Sprague, Vigar, Drew, Morrell, Hardy, Howes, Wilkinson, Blades, Fleet, Purkiss. Subs: Taylor, Kerley, Old, Davey, Thomson.