Lovell signed for Bournemouth for a second time in June 2010

Bournemouth striker Steve Lovell will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Reading XI on Tuesday as he nears a first-team return.

The 30-year-old has been sidelined with an ankle injury since re-joining the club from Partick in June 2010.

He had ankle surgery in the summer but broke down on his first day in training and needed another operation.

Assistant manager Steve Fletcher told BBC Radio Solent: "Steve will be a great addition if we can get him fit."

Lovell began his career at Bournemouth in 1998 and made seven appearances before joining Portsmouth. He has also played for Dundee, Aberdeen and Falkirk, but his his second stint at Bournemouth has been a tale of frustration.

As a result Lovell has yet to make an appearance this season, but he came came through 45 minutes of last week's reserve match against Swindon unscathed, and last Saturday was an unused substitute in the Cherries' 2-2 draw against Charlton at Dean Court.

Fletcher added that Lovell's return will offer a significant boost to the club's play-off aspirations, but stressed the need for caution.

"There's no pressure on him. He's not going to play when he's not ready, he's been through far too much already," he said.

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