New boy Lucho Infante is hoping to play with freedom for Whitehawk – and not just because he is likely to be unleashed on the wing.

The versatile 23-year-old Brazilian, who played youth football with Sao Paulo, is in Brighton for a third crack at Europe.

Although best known as a right-back in his homeland, Lucho could well be used as a left winger as Hawks entertain Wealdstone tomorrow.

He advised boss Pablo Asensio he preferred to be further forward.

And he revealed to The Argus why he can play without stifling pressure this time around.

Lucho has generally played second and third tier football, for several clubs back home and in both Romania and Poland.

This time, after securing an EU passport thanks to Italian relatives, things might be different.

He told The Argus: “I played in Romania in 2014 with Stefanesti and Tirgu Mures, I played in Poland in 2011 with Zawisza Rsgow, so I’ve had a lot of experience.

“But, when I was in Europe before, I didn’t have my Italian passport so I had to play as a foreign player.

“That makes it harder because each country has its limits on foreign players. There is a lot of pressure on you.

“I’ve now secured my Italian nationality and hopefully I won’t have such problems.

“I see this as a move which can open a lot of doors – a great opportunity.

“I am a player who always aims high. This is no different.

“I intend to help us win the title and secure big opportunities for me here. That all comes together.

“Pablo has put a lot of faith in me and I assure him that he won’t regret it.”

Asensio, Hawks’ Argentinean manager, plans to use Lucho in an attacking position working on the basis that Brazilian full-backs tend to play like wingers.

Lucho said: “I play up front, in midfield or at right-back. I’m a very versatile player.

“In Brazil, every team I went to, the manager liked using me in a different position.

“But my favourite position would be as a second striker or in midfield.”

Asensio, who is now happy with his 18-man squad, said: “Lucho will be a big signing for me.

“He has always played full-back in Brazil – but a Brazilian full-back is a winger to us! He has been more of a winger in Europe.”

The full name of Hawks’ new man, who lists Nautico and Velo Clube among his previous teams, is Luiz Felipe Idalgo Infante.

But he was given Lucho as his footballing nickname because of what is seen as a facial resemblance to Argentinean star Lucho Gonzalez.

He said: “Lots of people know me just as Lucho. I’ve had the nickname for seven years.

“It’s the name I would have on the back of my shirt – and I like to be known as Lucho Infante.”