STEPHEN Purches expects new recruit Mihai Dobre to feature when Cherries under-21s take on their counterparts from AFC Wimbledon this afternoon.

Signed from Romanian side Viitorul Constanta on deadline day, the 18-year-old winger is in line to play in the Development League opener at Canford Arena (1pm).

Under-21s boss Purches told the Daily Echo: "I'm sure Mihai will feature at some point.

"We just have to weigh up where he's at fitness-wise compared to the others because he hasn't had a pre-season with us.

"We've seen glimpses of the things he can do well and now it's about trying to integrate him into what we do and that could take a bit of time.

"We've got him in early enough in the season to, hopefully, allow him to settle down and produce the sort of performances he wants sooner rather than later.

"He's 18 so he has a lot of time in front of him. We're not expecting results tomorrow. Hopefully, he will enjoy what he does and we can help him get better.

"He speaks the language quite well so that's a positive which should help him settle in quickly."

Purches reported that no first-team players would take part in this afternoon's fixture.