EDDIE Howe praised the versatility of Cherries star David Brooks to fill the void in central midfield against Newcastle.

Wales international Brooks featured in the unfamiliar role alongside Jefferson Lerma, with Lewis Cook, Dan Gosling and Andrew Surman all ruled out.

The 21-year-old has flourished on the right flank for the Dorset club since he joined from Sheffield United last summer but showed his adaptability in the 2-2 draw against the Magpies.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "Brooksy did really well when you consider it is a big shift from wide to central.

"We have not done a lot of work with him tactically and he is just a very good player that can play in different positions, which is great for us to have that versatility. I thought Jeff and Brooksy did very well."

Tomorrow, Brooks and Chris Mepham could feature for Wales in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago before Sunday's European Championship qualifier against Slovakia.

Meanwhile, Lerma has travelled to Asia with the Colombia squad for friendlies against Japan and South Korea on Friday and Tuesday, respectively.

The combative midfielder has not represented his country since the World Cup last-16 defeat against England.

"He (Lerma) is very well liked by his country and did well in the World Cup," said Howe. "I am sure he is very keen to get back out there and represent his team and we certainly wish him well."