LEE Bradbury had words of praise for Mark Molesley and Warren Cummings following Cherries’ victory over Oldham.

Midfielder Molesley ended a 17-month injury nightmare when he came off the bench to make a brief substitute appearance.

Molesley, who turns 30 on Friday, received a warm ovation from the Dean Court faithful after battling back from a career-threatening foot problem.

Bradbury said: “It was great to have him back because it has been a long journey for him. I was in a fortunate position to be able to bring him on and it gave him a massive confidence boost.

“I have seen the work he has put in over the past year and he has been very professional. I had a serious injury when I was a player and it is a huge weight off your mind to get back.”

Cummings was restored to the starting line-up at left-back after Bradbury had decided to rest Rhoys Wiggins due to a calf problem.

The Scotsman came in having only recently shaken off a nasty bout of tonsillitis that had restricted his training over the past fortnight.

Cummings, who became Cherries’ 19th all-time leading league appearance-maker when he stepped out against the Latics, showed no effects and turned in an assured display.

Bradbury said: “It is not easy to come back after training for only a few days and put in a performance like Warren did. He showed great energy and caused them problems. It is very close between Warren and Rhoys as to which one plays.”

Meanwhile, back-up goalkeeper Jon Stewart was named among the Cherries substitutes after spending the week training with Premier League West Ham.

Bradbury said: “West Ham like Jon but they wouldn’t be able to do anything until the end of the season, if at all. We will have to watch this space then.”