LEWIS Cook says he has emerged a “stronger player” from the three-month injury lay-off which put the brakes on his embryonic Cherries career.

Cook played 62 minutes of Cherries’ Hampshire Senior Cup victory at Gosport Borough on Tuesday and capped his comeback with a stunning first-half goal.

The 19-year-old damaged an ankle while in action for England’s under-20 side against Germany in October – three months after Eddie Howe brought him to Vitality Stadium from Leeds in a £7million deal.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “Being out was tough. I’ve never been injured for that length of time before but I’ve had great support from the club, the physios and the players.

"It was hard but it gave me time to work on other things physically and I think I’ve come back a stronger player.

“I focused on working hard to come back even better and I'm ready to try to make my mark.”

Cook’s only Premier League outing for Cherries came on the opening day of the season, when he played 81 minutes of the 3-1 defeat by Manchester United.

He was subsequently limited to appearances in the EFL Cup against Morecambe and Preston.

Howe has nevertheless described the midfielder as a “very important player”, and named him on the bench for the FA Cup defeat at Millwall earlier this month.

“It was good to be involved with the squad (at Millwall) and get a feel for it again,” said Cook. “That was a bonus for me.

“Today I was just glad to play, no matter where it was. I really enjoyed it.

“It was good to get back on the pitch and get that time under my belt – it was always the plan to play for an hour to ease myself back into it.

“I’ve been back training for a couple of weeks, so it was the right time to come in and get some minutes.”

Cook’s dipping long-range strike was Cherries’ third goal in their 6-0 rout of National South outfit Gosport.

The Yorkshireman, however, insisted his taste of match action was the most pleasing aspect of his night.

“I felt really fit – I could have played 90 minutes,” said Cook. “I feel strong and everything feels fine.

“The goal was a good strike, it was another bonus. It was all about getting minutes on the pitch but I’ll take a goal as well.”

Despite his injury setback, Cook says he is now fully settled at his new club and is channelling his energies into fighting for a first-team spot.

“The quality of player we have here is exceptionally high so everyone is battling for a place," he added. "It’s really good competition.

"It’s a good chance to learn when you’re working with that quality of player, especially Jack (Wilshere).

"He’s someone you can look up to and use as an example to improve.

"I’ve settled down where I’m living and got used to the club. It all feels normal now and I’m really enjoying it."