CHERRIES skipper Simon Francis insisted Callum Wilson would roar back to his brilliant best and revealed: "He is looking at life with a different perspective."

Wilson is tomorrow due to make his return from a second serious knee injury when Carl Fletcher's Cherries begin their Premier League Cup campaign against their Norwich City counterparts at Vitality Stadium (7pm).

Clubs are permitted to field three outfield players over the age of 23 so Wilson is eligible to feature, with first-team boss Eddie Howe confirming on Saturday that the frontman would play.

The 25-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training session in February, just 16 months after sustaining the same injury to his right knee.

But with Wilson now back in training, Francis believes the former Coventry City hotshot can rediscover top form. And the captain says Wilson's family life has taken the pressure off him on the field.

Francis told the Daily Echo: "Callum has come back stronger and is feeling more positive than ever.

"From what I've seen, he can definitely get back to his best. He is hitting or even breaking his max speed which he has had for the past few years, he is looking stronger in the gym and his ball work seems great.

"He has had another child recently, a little girl, and I think he is looking at life with a different perspective. I think his family life has taken a lot of pressure off him.

"His return is massive for our team spirit and morale. He really is one of the lively lads of the bunch, he is excellent around the place and always up for a laugh.

"I'm delighted to see him back because he has worked so hard on his rehab. He has only had a few days of training but is looking fitter than ever.

"He wanted to be involved against Leicester on Saturday and he said to me, 'I might go and see the manager', and I said, 'just calm down a bit, get a few training games in first'.

"He is champing at the bit to get back in and, hopefully, he will soon."

Wilson had scored six Premier League goals last season prior to being cruelly sidelined.

The previous campaign – Cherries' first in the top flight – the striker had bagged five goals before succumbing to his first serious knee injury.

Reflecting on the aftermath of Wilson's February agony, Francis added: "Me and a couple of the lads went round his house and he was reluctant to answer the door. I don't think he wanted to talk to anyone and that was understandable.

"I haven't been there myself but I can imagine how he felt. He was glad when he opened the door in the end, we had a chat with him and he felt better afterwards. He looked at the bigger picture and I think he is continuing to do that."