DAN Gosling says he is "hugely impressed" by World Cup winner Lewis Cook and is expecting his fellow midfielder to play a key role for Cherries next season.

Cook moved to Vitality Stadium from Leeds last summer but found playing opportunities hard to come by until he broke into the side late in the campaign.

He started Premier League matches against Sunderland, Stoke and Burnley before heading to the under-20 World Cup in South Korea where he captained England to their first global success since 1966.

Gosling told the Daily Echo: "I have been hugely impressed by Lewis, especially in the few games he played at the end of the season.

"It is difficult coming in and out of the side. He had a long spell out and picked up an injury as well.

"That kept him out for about three months, then he came back and the lads were doing well. And, to make it even harder, we have a lot of midfielders.

"So, it was difficult for him. But he got his chance towards the end of the season and he proved he was a great player.

"Hopefully, there will be more to come from Lewis next season."

Gosling's own involvement last season was restricted by a combination of injury and competition for places.

And the 27-year-old – who is hoping to agree an extension to his current Cherries deal, which expires next summer – is expecting a similarly fierce battle for his spot when the new campaign gets under way in August.

He added: "We have Andrew Surman, Harry Arter, Lewis Cook and Emo (Emerson Hyndman), who went on loan to Rangers and had a great season up there.

"So, we have strength in depth, which is good. Everyone pushes each other through it – and a lot of different midfield combinations played last year.

"I am sure it will be no different next season."