STEPHEN Purches believes Filippo Costa needs time to adapt to the demands of Cherries – the same as any new recruit.

Loanee left-back Costa has been part of Purches’s under-21s squad since the summer and was an unused substitute for the League Cup second-round tie at Hartlepool in August.

Cherries have an option to sign permanently the Italian from parent club Chievo as part of his season-long spell in Dorset.

Purches told the Daily Echo: “It is obvious that Filippo is a good player and it’s just about trying to adapt his style of play into the gaffer’s philosophy.

“That always takes time, no matter whether you are coming in from abroad or down the road.

“There are left-backs in the first team that he should be looking to go past and like anyone else, he needs to take every opportunity to impress.”

Purches’s under-21s are due to take on Eastleigh at Silverlake Stadium tomorrow morning (11am), with no first-team players expected to be involved.

A Final Third Development League clash with Southend had been scheduled but the game was postponed due to the Shrimpers’ involvement in the Essex Senior Cup.

Purches added: “Our thanks go to Eastleigh because they stepped in at late notice.”