Cherries star Shwan Jalal is determined to show supporters his best form when he regains full fitness following back surgery.

The goalkeeper is on the road to recovery after going under the knife three weeks ago in a bid to cure the persistent problem.

Jalal had been playing and training through the pain of disc-related nerve damage for a long period after jarring his back before facing Southampton in October last season.

The stopper, who has been restricted to three starts this term since losing his place to summer signing Darryl Flahavan, confirmed he remained on target to complete his comeback within the predicted six-week time-frame.

He revealed the operation on the injury, known as a herniated disc, had been a success and that he was hoping to step up his training soon.

Jalal told the Daily Echo: “The operation went to plan and I was delighted with it.

“The surgeon said the piece of disc was bigger than we thought, so he removed that and the amazing thing was I woke up with absolutely no pain whatsoever.

“The rehab is going really well. I am back in the gym doing work and just getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, I can really step it up and take it from there.”

Jalal is combining gym work, cycling, stretching and balance and co-ordination exercises with fitness-building activities such as deep water running.

He is set to meet his surgeon for a progress report next week – with the aim of returning to training in about three weeks.

Discussing the difference of being pain free, Jalal added: “It is just the day-to-day things of being able to walk for half an hour without having to sit down and being able to play with my son and stuff like that.

“Before, it was an absolute nightmare, as people who have had the same condition will vouch for.

“Unfortunately, enough was enough and the operation needed to be done. The club were supportive with that and, hopefully, I can get back on track and the supporters will see the old Shwan Jalal again. The best thing for me to do next is get back fit and training and then challenge Flavs for the shirt again.”

In Jalal’s absence, Dan Thomas has been deputising as back-up for Flahavan. Young-ster Jordan Seabright is the other goalkeeper on Cherries’ books.