CALLUM Wilson insisted the rush of breaking his goal drought had banished the memory of his six months on the sidelines.

Striker Wilson’s instinctive reverse finish sealed a first Premier League victory of the campaign for Cherries against West Brom on Saturday and ended his year-long wait for a goal.

The 24-year-old netted five times in his first six top-flight outings before suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at Stoke in September last year.

He returned in April but did not score in two starts and three substitute appearances at the end of last season or in his first three outings this campaign.

And after missing a golden opportunity at Crystal Palace before the international break, the ex-Coventry marksman was relieved to get back on track.

“It means everything,” said Wilson.

“When you’re injured and in the gym while everyone is travelling away, those are the days you think about returning, scoring goals and getting three points for your team.

“I am always upbeat. I knew I would score eventually, it was just a matter of waiting and trying to pick up my performances rather than focus on the goals.

“I brushed up on a few things that had been a bit rusty over the past couple of weeks and everything seemed to click into place.

“The emotions come pouring back, I was delighted to get that touch. It put everything in the past.

“I missed a chance at Crystal Palace that I probably should have scored but hopefully, I have made up for that.”

After a dominant first half, Cherries were forced to withstand a flurry of Baggies pressure before substitutes Jack Wilshere, Dan Gosling and Max Gradel gave the hosts a second wind.

The deep-lying visitors looked likely to keep Cherries at bay until Adam Smith’s low centre was deftly brushed inside the far post by Wilson’s sumptuous finish on the turn.

And the importance of coming out on top was not lost on the match winner.

“We played well in the first half but had nothing to show for it and when the second half came, they started to dominate a little bit,” he added.

“It looked like either team could win it at that point but thankfully, it was us. You just want to get points on the board at this stage and it was all about getting that first win which we were delighted about.

“Traditionally, the second season is always harder than the first. Teams know how to play against us but we have brought in new players with a bit of edge and an extra bit of quality in the final third.

“That is starting to show. Jordon Ibe is a great asset and Jack Wilshere is another fantastic player.

“You only have to take one look at the bench to see how good the squad is getting. It is incredible how some of the players are not starting when they should be but the team is playing well.”