EDDIE HOWE is quite prepared to break the hearts of fans who view him as a legend if it means leading Swindon Town back to Division One.

The 26-year-old has yet to kick a ball in anger at the County Ground but his thoughts are already turning to a potential play-off clash with old club Bournemouth.

Howe, who met his new colleagues at Town's training ground yesterday, watched the Cherries from the terraces as a youngster before forging an impressive reputation on the pitch at Dean Court.

Despite a £400,000 move to Portsmouth in March 2002, Howe is still held in high regard at Bournemouth, having clocked up 235 appearances for the club.

With both Town and the Cherries very firmly in play-off contention, Howe knows there is a strong possibility that the two teams could meet in May, whether in a play-off semi-final or at the Millennium Stadium.

An ankle injury will delay his Town debut but the defender is expected to feature at Port Vale on Tuesday night.

His non-involvement against Barnsley will give him further time to contemplate a possible meeting with the Cherries.

Howe, whose nickname is Steady Eddie, said: "A Swindon versus Bournemouth final would be good. It's already crossed my mind.

"Having played there for so many years, it would certainly be a different experience."

Should such a scenario unfold, Howe insists there would be no question of divided loyalties.

He said: "Obviously I still have a lot of friends at Bournemouth but I'd be desperate to do well for Swindon.

"All ties with my old club would be forgotten for 90 minutes."

However, for such a situation to unfold, Town must first ensure they earn a top six spot.

Howe is looking forward to a major part in making it happen.

He said: "The fact that the club was looking at such exciting times was one of the factors that brought me here."

After an appalling two years with knee problems, he has just a handful of reserve games under his belt this season.

He is confident that the old magic is slowly starting to return though.

He said: "I was really rusty in the first couple of reserve games but I felt I was beginning to come back to my old form.

"It's going to take time but hopefully my time here will accelerate the process and I can do well for Swindon Town."

As for current club Pompey, Howe has nothing but praise for the way his recuperation has been handled.

He said: "Harry Redknapp has been right behind me and told me to take my time to get myself fit."

Howe's imminent involvement at the County Ground has brought a huge smile to the face of Andy King.

He said: "Eddie will be a major player in the run-in.

"I'm delighted we've got him here."