DEOGO Andrade is on his way back to Dean Court - with help from his dad, Jose.

The Portuguese teenager has been invited to join Cherries for an extended three-month trial.

And his generous father has played a major role in the youngster's return by coughing up his own money to help fund the deal.

Flying winger Andrade made an impression on Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll when he lined up in three pre-season friendlies last month.

The 19-year-old had been on the books of Portuguese first division outfit Belenenses since 1997 until his contract expired in the summer.

And although he is a free agent, his club are entitled to a substantial development fee which his father is understood to have settled.

Boss O'Driscoll told the Daily Echo: "Deogo impressed us when he came over last month. He was only here for a short period of time and it was a holiday really.

"One of his friends (based in the New Forest) wrote in and asked us to have a look. His CV was very good and, like most small clubs, you've got to investigate.

"He did really well. His family were very nice and the boy was very pleasant and it probably helped because we had Dani here who is also Portuguese.

"We used him in three pre-season games and although his club had offered him a contract, he declined it so we expressed an interest in bringing him over for a longer period.

"There was a development fee to pay and unless we could agree something with Belenenses, it would have been pointless bringing him over but that now seems to have taken place, thanks largely to his father who has been instrumental in getting his son over.

"His family are prepared to pay his accommodation and we've got to see if we can give him a small wage for the period. During that time, we would have to make a decision about what we want to do and what we can do if he excels or impresses.

"We can't really afford to bring anybody in who can't play in the first team. We haven't got that leeway.

"It's a balancing act so the decision is if we pay him a wage, can we afford it? And, if we do, it could take away the possibility of extending somebody's loan or bringing a loan player in.

"If we can come to some arrangement, we would like to go ahead because he impressed enough to be given a further chance."

Andrade is expected to arrive at Dean Court today and be among the crowd for Cherries' League One clash at Milton Keynes Dons tomorrow (August 21).

Cherries chairman Peter Phillips told the Echo: "It would have been impossible for us to bring Deogo over without the help of his family so we are delighted to be able to give him this chance.

"I only saw a couple of cameo appearances from him, but he looked an exciting prospect. This will be a great opportunity both for him and the football club."

First published: August 20