DEFENDER Simon Francis hailed the performance of team-mate Wes Thomas following Cherries’ opening-day victory over Championship rivals Charlton.

Thomas was handed his first Cherries start since January and worked tirelessly up front as Eddie Howe’s men triumphed 2-1 against the Addicks thanks to Lewis Grabban’s double.

Striker Thomas, who appeared to be heading out of Dean Court after failing to hold down a regular place last season, received a standing ovation when he made way for Andrew Surman five minutes from time.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “I thought Lewis and Wes were outstanding. Wes has looked sharp in training and rightly so got his chance. He worked his socks off and was brilliant.

“He has had his critics and he knows that more than anyone. But the manager has given him another chance and he has turned it round.

“He looks like a different man in training, he looks hungry and he looks like he wants to succeed. Most importantly, I think he wants to succeed with us, which is great because he is a real handful on his day.

“He is so quick and powerful and he ran down their centre-halves every time and got the ball. He is a great outlet to have. I thought Lewis did brilliantly as well because he played a different role and was dropping off. He played it perfectly and got his two goals.”