EDDIE Howe says he has been impressed by Lewis Cook's work ethic and insists the midfielder's chance will come.

Ex-Leeds ace Cook returned from a three-month injury lay-off when he featured in Cherries’ Hampshire Senior Cup victory at Gosport Borough last week.

The 19-year-old had previously made his only Premier League appearance for Cherries on the opening day of the campaign, the £7million man starting in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Not involved in a matchday squad in the league since, Cook's season suffered a further setback when he damaged an ankle while in action for England under-20s against Germany in October.

However, following his return to fitness, Cook's hunger for the game has given Howe plenty of cause for optimism.

The boss told the Daily Echo: "Lewis's state of mind has been very good. He has focused on getting himself fit and has worked incredibly hard.

"He has a great attitude and really loves his football and you can see that on the training ground every day.

"He is one we are really pleased to see back and we want to continue to develop him and, hopefully, when his chance comes he will be ready to take it."