MARC Wilson said Eddie Howe’s demanding training regime had been a real “eye-opener” and admitted he had “never worked as hard in my life”.

New recruit Wilson ended a seven-month injury nightmare when he netted the winner in Cherries’ 2-1 victory at Morecambe in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, who joined Cherries from Stoke City earlier this month, scored a stunning 25-yard drive to set up a third round home tie with Preston.

Wilson sustained a knee injury in an FA Cup tie at Crystal Palace in January and was forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 squad after suffering a setback.

Howe last week said the defender had some work to do to reach peak fitness with Wilson admitting his return to competitive action at the Globe Arena had been ideal.

He told the Daily Echo: “The game was perfect for me and I definitely needed it. The manager was 100 per cent correct with what he said.

“Since I have been here, the training has been very intense. That is the way the manager likes to train the boys. We train properly and hard and it was an eye-opener for me.

“I have never trained as hard in my life but it is really good. It is enjoyable as well so that is a bonus.

“I was a little surprised when I first came here because it is completely different to what I have done throughout my career. It is a lot more intensive and it can take a bit of time to get used to it.”

Wilson, who has played more Premier League games than any other Cherries player, could be involved when Howe’s team bid to open their points account at Selhurst Park tomorrow.

He added: “I was really pleased with the game. It was tough coming back from the injury and you need to have the right mentality.

“I have worked hard for it. I had a minor setback at the end of last season but knew I was ready to play. I had a bit of cramp at the end but that was to be expected.

“I watched the first couple of games and thought we were unlucky with a couple of the goals against Manchester United.

“You could even say Ibrahimovic’s was fortunate because his shot went through the boy’s legs when he was running. I thought we played well against them.

“West Ham are another good side and we were unfortunate with the sending off. These things happen and we are only two games into the season. There is a lot more to come. Believe you me, it is a hard league, the hardest in the world in my opinion.

“It is a long season and, with the group the manager has in the changing room, I definitely think we can go one better than last season. If we listen and pull in the right direction as a team, then who knows what we could achieve.”

Wilson’s superb effort against Morecambe was his first goal in club football since December 2010.