ENGLAND under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd insisted Lewis Cook was “in a good place” to develop at Cherries.

The former Watford and Coventry City manager named the talented midfielder in all three of his starting line-ups for European qualifiers after initially selecting him for the age group earlier this season.

Cook has not missed a minute in fixtures for the Young Lions against the Netherlands, Latvia and Scotland during the qualifying campaign so far.

The former Leeds United star could also play a part when Boothroyd’s charges take on minnows Andorra at Estadi Comunal tomorrow (5pm).

Having been thoroughly impressed by what he saw from Cook at under-21 level, Boothroyd believes there is much more to come from the youngster.

Asked about Cook by the Daily Echo, the England boss said: “He is not only a really good footballer but, as a character, he is top drawer. He always wants to learn and always wants to be better.

“I think Bournemouth have got a real player on their hands.

“We really think a lot of him and I know Eddie (Howe) does. Hopefully he can get some more minutes and play a little bit more in the Premier League.

“He is in a good place. Eddie has a fantastic reputation and quite rightly as well.

“He will develop him and turn him into a good player. The fact a club like that is overachieving and doing so well, it’s great that it’s packed with English players.”

Cook shot to stardom in the summer, having become only the second man to captain an England football team to World Cup glory when the under-20s were crowned champions in South Korea.

While the youngster’s international reputation continues to thrive, the talented midfielder admitted he had to stay patient before gaining his chance in the Premier League with Cherries this season.

He did not feature in the Dorset club’s opening six league fixtures, but the York-born star impressed last time out at club level, having played 90 minutes in Cherries’ goalless draw with Leicester City.

Asked whether he could see Cook forcing his way into the Eddie Howe’s starting XI regularly, Boothroyd replied: “I hope so.

“He has got some good players to contend with but that in itself makes it a good competitive environment and it’s up to him.

“If he doesn’t, it won’t be through lack of trying. He is desperate to do well and he wants to play.

“I am hoping he is going to be a main player for us. He is a player that is very gifted, sees a pass and connects the rest of the team.

“He is the sort of player that makes the other players better.

“We are hoping he can continue his form, break into the team and help us to get better.”