CHERRIES will be hoping loan star Matthew Mills returns unscathed from international duty following England's qualification for the finals of the European Under-19 Championships.

Mills added to his three caps when he helped England secure 1-0 wins over Group One rivals Denmark and Sweden over the Easter period to book their place in the summer finals in Belfast.

His Southampton team-mate Dexter Blackstock netted the all-important deciding goal against the Swedes as England guaranteed qualification at Bury's Gigg Lane on Easter Monday.

And with England sure of a place in the finals, Cherries will be hoping boss Martin Hunter may take the opportunity to rest Mills for their last group match against Moldova at Blackpool on March 30.

A watching brief or a run-out from the substitutes' bench would allow the 18-year-old defender more time to recover ahead of Cherries' trip to League One rivals Wrexham on Saturday April 2.

Meanwhile, Cherries skipper Karl Broadhurst is set to hit the comeback trail when he lines up for the reserves at Bristol City on March 30.