MANAGER Paul Groves insists new recruit Lorenzo Davids boasts the experience and big-match mentality to become a major asset for Cherries .

Cherries yesterday hit the headlines after signing the Dutchman on a free transfer, subject to international clearance and Football League approval.

The versatile midfielder, who is a cousin of former Ajax, Juventus and Holland star Edgar Davids, joined Cherries after being released by German club FC Augsburg.

Davids penned a two-year deal less than a week after being pictured by the Daily Echo at Goldsands Stadium, where he was a guest of director Tom Mitchell at the League One match against Preston.

Boss Groves last night praised the credentials of Davids, who has previously plied his trade in the top flight in both Holland and Germany.

He told the Daily Echo: “He was somebody we were aware of and somebody that fitted our criteria in terms of his character, the level he has played at, what he is as a player and what he can bring to the squad.

“He is not just a combative midfielder, he also brings versatility. He is left-sided so he has played in a number of different positions on the left.

Primarily, he has played in the midfield area but he has also played left-back.

“He has got good energy, good experience and he is a good character, so we feel he is a good addition.

“He has got one or two bits to clear up in respect of just making sure he is ready to go.

“But he has played at a good level and the German league is a very good league to play in, not only from a point of quality but for the level of intensity that the league is played at.

“He will be used to playing in front of good crowds so things like that won’t faze him and he brings that additional experience to the squad.”

The 25-year-old is currently receiving treatment for a minor injury which could keep him on the sidelines for the next three weeks.

Groves added: “It is something he is getting on top of.

“We need to give him every chance to get himself to the position that, when he is able to go, he is in good shape.

“We have done our homework in making sure the injury is correct and that he is going in the right direction, which he is. Hopefully, it is only two or three weeks before he is able to start getting involved.

“Like any player, especially coming from abroad, you have got to give him a little bit of time to adjust.

“But he is certainly an extremely fit and athletic type of player so, hopefully, everything goes well for him and we can get him up and running as soon as we can.”