STEVE Cook says the calibre of Cherries’ pre-season opponents is a sign of the club’s progression.

Eddie Howe’s men are set for friendlies against Girona, Brentford and West Brom before European giants Lyon and Lazio visit Vitality Stadium in early August.

And Cook, who is set for his eighth pre-season at Cherries since joining from Brighton, initially on loan, in 2011, is excited by this year’s schedule.

He told the club website: “It just shows how far we have come that we are playing the likes of Lazio and Lyon in pre-season friendlies.

“It will be great for our supporters to see teams they probably haven’t seen live. Hopefully they will turn out in their numbers to see two great spectacles against top European teams.

“Lyon are a huge club in Europe and I’m sure they will bring a really strong side. Lots of people grew up watching Football Italia and Lazio are another massive draw.

“Girona have a connection with Manchester City’s owners and I’m sure they will try to play the same way.

“Spanish teams always like to keep the ball and attack. That mirrors us so hopefully we can get a lot of good work out of the game against them.”

He added: “West Brom and Brentford are likely to be two of the strongest teams in the Championship next season so they will provide a stern test.

“You like to get back into the routine of travelling and playing tough away games as quickly as possible because it stands you in good stead for the start of the season.

“Pre-season is all about getting up to speed and testing yourself against the best so these competitive games will give us a great opportunity to do that.”