Just over a year ago Maltese international Carlo Mamo was playing against French superstars Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Next season the left-sided defender/midfielder could be plying his trade for non-League Eastleigh in the Isthmian Premier Division.

The Maltese international, who has made about 20 full appearances for his country, is on his way to Britain to do a three-year degree course in computing at Portsmouth Polytechnic.

Mamo has been recommended to Eastleigh by a family friend, AFC Bournemouth scout Terry Wateridge - the same man that pointed former Cherries youngster James Stokoe in the direction of the Sparshatts Stadium.

Mamo played 71 minutes for Malta in their 6-0 defeat by France in March 2003 as Jacques Santini's men revved up for their ill-fated defence of the European crown in Portugal.

The experienced 25-year-old also boasts Champions League experience for Maltese club Sliema Wanderers, who last season pulled off a league and cup double. His contract with Sliema ran out at the end of June and he is due to wing his way to Eastleigh on July 25.

Eastleigh also have a Japanese player interested in joining them. Shinsuke Itagaki has written to the club and will be invited to pre-season training.