CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes “special talent” Lewis Cook possesses similar characteristics to those of Jack Wilshere.

Cook, a £7million summer signing from Leeds, made five eye-catching displays at the end of his debut season with Cherries.

He missed Cherries’ showdown with Leicester on Sunday as he is on international duty with England at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.

And he played 90 minutes on Saturday as the Young Lions claimed the country's first win at the tournament since 1997 when they beat Argentina 3-0. Cook will again be hoping to feature when England face Guinea today.

The 20-year-old was one of the few shining lights after he had come off the bench to replace Wilshere during Cherries' 4-0 defeat at Tottenham in April.

He then played his part in the 4-0 win over Middlesbrough after replacing Dan Gosling on the stroke of half-time before being promoted to the starting line-up at Sunderland.

Midfielder Cook had a hand in Cherries’ winner at the Stadium of Light and also helped create both goals in the 2-2 draw with Stoke.

And his sublime pass in Cherries’ final home game of the season against Burnley set up Junior Stanislas for the opening goal.

Howe, asked whether he saw any similarities between Cook and Wilshere, said: “I think he has elements of Jack’s game in him.

“Certainly, his ability to control the ball and turn with it in tight situations. He has a burst of pace which can leave fellow midfielders behind.

“He also has a creative eye and I believe he will score goals in time.

“Lewis is a very special talent and someone who will go a long way in the game if he continues to show the attitude he has this season.

“There are very few players who are capable of playing a pass like he did against Burnley and he has those moments.

“He also had them against Stoke and when he came on to set up the goal at Sunderland.

“In a short time in the team, he really has been very productive.

“He also has that aggression in his game, very similar to Harry Arter where he is not frightened to put his body on the line for the team.

“He is a little terrier when we don’t have the ball and I thought him and Harry complemented each other very well against Burnley.

“Lewis has shown a progression in all the recent matches. When you consider his age and the potential in him, it was a great few games for him.”