DENIS Behan could be set for a return to Ireland.

The Hartlepool United striker won’t be involved in today’s game with Dagenham and Redbridge at Victoria Park as he is nursing a hamstring strain.

But, once recovered, he could be heading back to Cork City.

City boss Tommy Dunne told Irish radio station Red Fm sport: “I’ve made inquiries about Denis. I spoke to the manager (Mick Wadsworth) and he’s going back to his chief executive and needs to find out the feasibility of it and the financial side of it.

“He also told me Hartlepool have quite a few games coming up. I think they have six or seven games in the next two weeks, so nothing will be decided before then. He’ll have to come back to me now on whether it’s viable or not.”

Behan arrived at Pools in the summer of 2008, with then boss Chris Turner describing the bustling striker as ‘the new Bob Newton’.

He has made 45 appearances, scoring seven goals, and his last involvement was against today’s opponents in October, when he suffered a shoulder injury.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is leaving the club to take over as boss of Burnley.

He saw his side lose 2-1 at Colchester last night in his final game in charge.

Former Pools striker Steve Fletcher, among the contenders to take over, put his side ahead, before two goals from substitute Steven Gillespie turned the game around.

Hoew said: “I’m leaving the club in a good position, considering all the adversity. I’m proud to be Bournemouth manager and I leave with sadness.”