PATIENT boss Eddie Howe says sidelined striker Callum Wilson will be given "all the time he needs" to return to peak fitness and form.

The former Coventry City hitman was rocked when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training session in February.

It came just 15 months after the frontman had sustained the same injury to his right knee, forcing him to miss the majority of Cherries’ debut season in the Premier League.

Howe is yet to put a timescale on Wilson's return, although the 25-year-old has started to train with the first-team squad.

And the manager admitted that although the former England under-21 ace would be widely judged upon his eventual return to top-flight football, he would be given time to hit top gear.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "We just need to give Callum the time to return when he is ready.

"Even when he is training with us, we will need to give him all the time he needs because I think he needs several games before he finds his rhythm and confidence and we consider him for selection.

"The problem for Callum is that as soon as you are back on a football pitch, you are judged by everybody – me, the supporters, the media – and that can be difficult, especially when you have been out for the period he has.

"With players who have been out a long time, it does take them a while to find peak form, I think that's only natural.

"It's the same for everybody so I think we have to give him that time."

In July, Wilson journeyed to the United States to work with world-renowned rehabilitation expert Bill Knowles, the director of reconditioning and athletic development at HP Sports.

As an organisation, HP Sports has worked with global stars such as Tiger Woods, Jonny Wilkinson and Peyton Manning, as well as former Chelsea players John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Knowles has also lectured across the globe on athletic development and injury prevention strategies.

Howe believes Wilson is showing signs of returning healthier than when he damaged his right knee. And the boss also reckons the striker's mental strength is standing him in good stead.

The boss added: "Callum is doing really well. I have kept a close eye on his rehab and it is very difficult to remember back to the first time he did his knee but certainly this time I think there is a difference.

"He looks like he is running a lot more smoothly. He is mechanically very good, so I'm really pleased with him and for him. Psychologically, I think he is in a really good place."

Wilson scored six Premier League goals for Cherries last season prior to sustaining his second serious knee injury. That increased to 11 goals his overall tally in the top flight, which included his maiden career hat-trick against West Ham in August 2015.