CHERRIES youngster Marcus Daws has returned to Poole Town on a work experience loan.

A youth international for Northern Ireland, Daws finished last campaign on loan with the Dolphins.

After joining in late February, the 18-year-old made nine appearances for Poole, scoring once.

The Daily Echo understands that there is a strong chance the deal will be extended to cover the entire 2022-23 season.

Speaking about the return of Daws, Killick told the Daily Echo: “I feel he really started doing well, particularly in the last few games of the season.

“I think he became more comfortable in the environment and his performances reflected that.

“He’s had another summer of progression in terms of physically improving and spending more time with Bournemouth and Coops (Shaun Cooper, development head coach).

“So he's progressing all the time and we're hoping that we can help with his progression and at the same time, he can do us a lot of good.”

Highly rated by Cherries, Daws trained with Scott Parker’s first-team squad throughout the early stages of last season.

Formerly with Bristol Rovers, Somerset-raised Daws joined Southampton’s satellite academy in hometown Bath when he was eight years old.

An unfortunate series of injuries and broken bones saw Daws’ development at Saints curtailed, leading to his release from the Hampshire side at 16.

Cherries promptly swooped in to bring him into the academy set-up, with Daws impressing in his first season for Alan Connell’s under-18s.

He netted 18 goals in his first campaign, operating as an attacking midfielder or on the left-wing.

Daws recently signed on as a third-year scholar with Cherries, after featuring in last year's EFL Alliance League winning side.

He was called up to the Northern Ireland under-21 side for the first time this summer, making his debut against Lithuania.

Daws should be available for selection tomorrow, as Poole begin their campaign away at Winchester City, subject to FA approval.