WALES boss Ryan Giggs said getting David Brooks on the pitch was “that next step up” as the Cherries star made his return to action.

Left out of the Dragons’ friendly defeat to England last Thursday, attacking midfielder Brooks played the final 13 minutes of his country’s 0-0 Nations League draw with Ireland at Aviva Stadium.

Brooks was an unused substitute for Cherries against Coventry last time out at club level, having been suffering with illness.

Giving an update on the Cherries star, Giggs said: "He's only trained with us, even less than Harry (Wilson) and DJ (Daniel James). I think two full training sessions.

“It's just about building Brooksy up to a level where he is able to start a game or get more minutes.

“He's not had that training exposure where you can throw him into an international game.

“So he's getting there, and, again, like Harry and DJ, getting him on the pitch is that next step up."

Chris Mepham missed the contest with Ireland on Sunday having suffered a knee injury in the latter stages during the friendly against England.