EDDIE Howe said playmaker David Brooks had been building up his fitness levels in a bid to return to match action and added: “I hope he can be integrated into training quite quickly.”

The Wales international is yet to kick a ball in the top-flight this campaign after picking up an ankle ligament injury at Brentford in pre-season.

Brooks, who has undergone two operations on the problem, has been pictured running on grass but is yet to re-join full training.

Speaking about Brooks ahead of his side’s trip to Liverpool in the Premier League tomorrow, Howe said: “He is building his fitness and his endurance levels.

“His ankle is feeling okay. I hope he can be integrated into training quite quickly from this point.

“But when you consider the length of time he’s been out – the fact he hasn’t trained with the group – he hasn’t had any games as such, so there’s still a little bit of work to do with him.”

The boss did however confirm Lloyd Kelly is back in full training ahead of the clash at Anfield.

Ankle and thigh problems have kept the defender out of action this season – he is yet to feature in the top flight.

“We still have the long-termers that haven’t trained with us, so you’ve got David Brooks, Arnaut Danjuma and Chris Mepham who still haven’t re-joined the group,” said Howe

“They are working hard on their respective rehabs and getting closer but they are still some way off.

“Lloyd Kelly has trained this week, so that was great news. He has come through training so that’s a big lift for everybody.”