LYMINGTON & New Milton's new signing Nick Miles is primed to make his debut at home to Thatcham Town tomorrow.

The Jewson Wessex League leaders, who have been named club-of-the-month for September, have paid Salisbury City £1,000 for the former AFC Bournemouth midfielder who once had trials with Saints.

Miles, who celebrates his 24th birthday next month, already has family connections at the Linnets. His older brother, Ben, recently returned to Fawcett's Field after a spell at Poole Town and is looking to push his way into the first-team picture.

While Salisbury viewed Miles as a wide right man, Linnets want to make more of his strike potential. A fine athlete, he has electric pace and a belting shot on him and Linnets boss Derek Binns said: "I think he could switch very successfully either as an attacking midfielder or up front."

With Paul Sims and Jason Stride joining a lengthy injury list, 18-year-old midfielder Gareth Keeping - son of youth team manager Nick - looks set to keep his place in the squad.

The youngster had a promising 45-minute run-out in Tuesday's 5-1 Russell Cotes Cup win over West Wight Mayflower and Binns said: "He looks an exciting prospect."

Brockenhurst's sought-after midfielder Ben Thomson was watched by Conference leaders Yeovil in Tuesday's 3-0 Russell Cotes win over Aerostructures.

Thomson, who is on trial at AFC Bournemouth, was unable to play for them in the Avon Insurance Combination at Brentford on Wednesday due to a slight ankle knock.

He will, however, be fit to play for Brockenhurst in Sunday's (2pm) Hampshire Senior Cup second round tie against Farnborough Town at Grigg Lane.