DETERMINED Simon Francis revealed he was a “couple of weeks” ahead of schedule in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The Cherries skipper had been ruled out between six to nine months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Tottenham on Boxing Day.

And the 34-year-old, who this week continued his rehab with the squad in a warm weather training camp in Dubai, said he was making good progress.

Francis told the club website: “Every day is tough on the road to recovery, mentally as well as physically because you know you have to put yourself through the pain barriers.

“I’m really happy. I’m ahead of schedule by a couple of weeks, which is great, and passing all the tests.

“Coming out here (to Dubai) is great. The facilities, as we have seen when we have been here in years before, are second to none.

“It’s nice to have a change of scenery, change the mindset a little and a little bit of warm weather always makes the knee feel better. It’s great to be out here with the lads.“