BOSS Eddie Howe described as “a positive step forward” Junior Stanislas’s return to training.

The Cherries winger, who this week celebrated his 30th birthday, has stepped up his recovery from a knee problem.

Former West Ham youngster Stanislas has not featured for Cherries since April, having sustained a hamstring injury after 23 minutes against Fulham at Vitality Stadium.

He then underwent a minor operation on his knee almost two months ago.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We saw Junior train earlier this week. I don’t want to necessarily say that means he’s back because I think, at the moment, we are taking it very lightly with him.

“It’s one training session, then a period of rest and then another training session. We are going to build up that load.

“He’s still some time away I think from being fit and available to play but it’s a positive step forward.”

Stanislas has played 114 times for the Dorset club since reuniting with Howe, who also worked with him at Burnley.

“For players, you need to feel that you can train and be around your team-mates, that gives you a massive lift,” added the Cherries boss.

“For Junior, who had been out for so long and been frustrated by various minor setbacks that he’s had along the way. This will be a great bit of news for him.”

Howe also revealed defender Lloyd Kelly had been “progressing nicely” in his recovery from a thigh problem.

Andrew Surman was also today due to train with the squad after resting a knee complaint.