MARK Travers is looking forward to welcoming Diego Rico back to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday – but the Cherries keeper is perhaps more interested in the challenge Rico’s team, Real Sociedad, will pose the Premier League newcomers.

The Spanish side are in town for Cherries’ final pre-season game on Saturday (3pm), with the start of the Premier League season just more than a week away.

Cherries recently shared a message from Rico himself on their social media, with the 29-year-old stating: “I’m really looking forward to coming back.

“COVID meant I couldn’t say goodbye properly but I’m grateful to have that chance Saturday.”

Left-back Rico, who played 84 times for Cherries across a three-year spell, will be playing Europa League football with the San Sebastian outfit next campaign, after helping the Basque side to finish sixth in last year’s La Liga.

Cherries have already faced Europa League opposition this pre-season, losing 2-1 to Braga in Portugal earlier this month.

In terms of recognisable faces, former Manchester City star David Silva currently plays for La Real and is expected to feature on Saturday afternoon.

Looking forward to Saturday’s game, Travers told the Daily Echo: “It’d be nice to have him (Rico) back at the stadium. Hopefully he'll be looking forward to playing against us and stuff.

“It'd be great to have such a high quality opposition coming to the Vitality and it'd be a great last game going into the start of the season against such an experienced, high-quality team.”

Aside from playing two sides set to feature in European competition, Cherries have also faced lower-league sides from England.

It was a mixed bag of results against Championship and League One opposition, with a 2-1 win over League One Sheffield Wednesday in Portugal preceding a 1-0 defeat at home to Championship Bristol City.

When asked if he preferred more challenging propositions in pre-season to prepare for the campaign ahead, Travers responded: "Of course - I think everyone wants to be tested in pre-season and get ready for what's to come in the Premier League.

“(Bristol City) was a great test as well for us. So, I think it's great to get some good opposition in before we get stuck into the Premier League.”

After hosting Real Sociedad this weekend, Cherries welcome Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium to start the Premier League season.

Coincidentally, Cherries faced Villa at home in their first ever Premier League game, with the Midlands outfit winning 1-0 in August 2015 courtesy of a Rudy Gestede goal.