ANDONI Iraola believes new signing Andrei Radu is “ready to compete” for the starting spot in between the sticks at Cherries.
Goalie Radu became the latest addition at Vitality Stadium this summer, joining Cherries on an initial loan from Italian giants Inter Milan.
The arrival of Radu has allowed Mark Travers to join Stoke City on loan for the season, the highly-rated goalkeeper being given the opportunity of more consistent gametime in order to aid his development.
With Iraola’s penchant for knockout competitions and Radu’s notable record of saving penalties, the idea of the goalkeeper being brought in as a shootout specialist for cup campaigns has arisen.
However, rather than having Radu serve merely as a back-up to established first choice Neto, Iraola believes the Romanian is more than capable of making the position his own.
Asked if Radu had been brought in to serve as a “cup goalkeeper”, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think goalkeeping situation, okay, it’s kind of a different position, but we will make the decision for day one.
“Then after we will make the decision for day two.
“We cannot plan so far ahead because things happen in trainings, performance matters.
“I think there was a need on the club because especially I think Mark and the club wanted the situation to be like this. And I think it's good for everyone.
“So I think Andrei can help us straight away because he has performed in a high level. He's ready to compete for the position.
“And we'll take the decisions day by day, game by game.”
Cherries supporters got their first look at Radu last weekend, the goalkeeper coming off the bench to feature in the second half of the 3-1 defeat to Atalanta.
FC Lorient visit Dorset as guests for Cherries’ final pre-season friendly, on Saturday, August 5.
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