SKIPPER Simon Francis revealed he had utilised the wonders of modern technology to help new boys Diego Rico and Jefferson Lerma flourish in the Premier League.

The club captain has attempted to conquer the language barrier between the Spanish-speaking duo and the rest of the squad by downloading the Google Translate app.

Ex-La Liga stars Lerma and Rico are yet to feature competitively for the Dorset club.

Full-back Rico is set to serve the last of a three-match ban when Cherries host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm).

Colombian midfielder Lerma could be in contention as he continues to build match-fitness following his summer switch from Levante.

While the pair are set to learn English in a bid to gel with their new team-mates, Francis feels it is his duty as captain to make the duo feel at home.

He told the Daily Echo: “They are going to find it hard coming over to a foreign country and plying their trade.

“It’s not all about the money, the glitz and the glamour, of course they are going to have to get their heads down to learn the language – that will be the toughest part.

“When I heard Diego was coming in, I knew he didn’t speak any English so I downloaded the Google Translate app – just to try to brush up on my Spanish.

“We went to La Manga and you pick up a few little bits in restaurants or talking to people.

“If you can go out of your way to learn a bit of their language, to try to make them feel welcome and feel at home, then I think it’s the least you can do. That’s certainly my job as captain.”

World Cup star Lerma’s £25million price tag shattered Cherries' record fee paid for a player.

Fellow new recruits Rico and David Brooks also commanded eight-figure sums, coming in at £10.7m and £10m respectively.

But Francis believes the current market demands top-flight clubs fork out if they want to progress.

“I remember when we signed Nathan Ake for £20million. If you look at that now, it’s probably a snip. He’s such a player of high quality,” added the 33-year-old.

“It’s kind of the going rate when you look to sign a player who is experienced and ready to play in the Premier League – they are the type of prices you are paying.

“I think you have to pay that kind of money if you want to get in the quality of players.

“If anything, we may have got Diego and David Brooks at a snip as well. We will have to wait and see.”

Francis has made two substitute appearances for Cherries this season, coming off the bench to replace Brooks in victories over Cardiff and West Ham.

He has played seven times for Cherries against the Toffees in all competitions, winning on two occasions.