AN AMATEUR footballer is set to trade in Eagley for sunny shores and the quest for romance as he joins the cast of Love Island.

Mike Boateng is among 12 singletons looking for love as the hit ITV2 reality show returns to screens tomorrow.

The 24-year-old police officer, who is originally from London, is also a former footballer.

Previously Mike played for Sheffield United and currently dons his boots for Eagley Football Club in Bolton.

The Bolton News:

But just what does Mike look for in his ideal woman?

Well, someone who is "ambitious, a lot of personality and of course beautiful", he said.

And ideally anyone that reminds him of his celebrity crushes Beyoncé and Rihanna.

However his biggest turn-off is stinky breath.

Mike describes himself as an "solid eight" out of 10, who is "confident, charming and charismatic" and has "piercing eyes like look into your soul".

Although Mike says he's personable and easy to approach, he's prepared to go to some lengths to get the girl he wants on Love Island.

"I’m going into the villa to find love," he added.

"If that means stepping on a few toes, burning a few bridges and finding the love of my life, I’m willing to do it."

Mike is hoping that his old-school taste in dates ­— including a nice dinner, good conversation and walks where he and his date can get to know each other ­—will help him capture hearts.

And ultimately the 24-year old says he wants to leave the show with a "serious relationship".

Although in the past he admits his love life can be best summed up by the song End of the Road by Boyz II Men, "because my relationships always end".

We just hope we get to see Mike do his famous impressions of Barack Obama and Drake.

The Bolton News:

Love Island returns this weekend for its first, hotly anticipated winter series in a new South African villa.

Joining Mike in the confirmed line up will be sister of Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes, Sophie Piper, a former Miss Ghana, a set of female twins and the heir to a Cornish country estate.

The 12 single men and women will be hoping to couple up for their chance to win a share of a £50,000 prize.

The show will be hosted by Laura Whitmore, who takes over from Caroline Flack.

Episodes kick off from 9pm tomorrow on ITV2 and will air every night at 9pm, except on Saturdays when viewers can catch all the best unseen action and juicy gossip on Love Island: Unseen Bits.

Laura will also host Love Island: Aftersun live from London on Monday nights at 10pm.