CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe praised David Brooks for making the step up to the Premier League – but warned the Welsh winger not to get ahead of himself.

Brooks scored his second goal in as many games during Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Watford.

And the 21-year-old, a £10million summer signing from Sheffield United, was highlighted on Match of the Day as a star performer at Vicarage Road.

Brooks could feature for Wales in clashes with Spain and Republic of Ireland during the international break and Howe wants the wide man to return as focused as ever.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “The biggest compliment I can give him is that he hasn’t been fazed at all by the step up in league.

“He has trained as normal and when he has been given opportunities, he has had the same mentality. I’ve been really pleased and the future is very bright for him.

“I’ve seen a player who loves his football, is focused on his work and is not really about outside influences or anything other than the training and the games.

“He’ll go away with Wales which will be a really good thing for him to do. Hopefully, he will do well and come back absolutely focused on the next game.

“He can’t get ahead of himself because we have got quality players waiting in the wings. Junior Stanislas came on today and Jordon Ibe is waiting as well.

“All of our players know there is no let up.”

Brooks was substituted with 20 minutes remaining of the win at Watford after being on the end of a hefty challenge from Jose Holebas.

However, Howe confirmed the youngster had not suffered major damage.

The boss said: “He got a nasty tackle and it looked like he was limping around so it was precautionary.”