CHERRIES playmaker David Brooks revealed how he failed to get Wayne Rooney’s shirt on Saturday but admitted: “I was a bit star-struck by him.”

Brooks, a Manchester United fan growing up, came off the bench to make his eagerly anticipated return to action for Cherries against Rooney’s Derby.

England’s record goalscorer had been substituted by the time Brooks came on to replace Jack Stacey at Vitality Stadium.

But speaking after the 1-1 draw, Warrington-born Brooks admitted he had been in awe of the former United frontman.

“He is still a player,” said Brooks, when asked about Rooney.

“I am a Manchester United fan, so I was a bit star-struck by him to be fair. I was going to try to get his shirt after but I didn’t catch him.

“He was a fantastic player for Manchester United and England. It’s just a credit to him, playing the way he is. He’s gone over to America, come back now and you can still see he’s got it.

“I missed him at the end of the game, so I’ll try to get him on the away leg.”

Brooks himself made his Cherries return after more than a month out of action at club level, due to illness and injury.

Assessing his performance, the 23-year-old said: “It’s not nice sitting in the stands watching the team but it was good to get back out there.

“I think I helped the team so hopefully we can push on and try to get some more points on Tuesday (at Sheffield Wednesday).

“It’s going to be difficult this year with us being one of the better teams in the Championship. I think people are going to sit back and be hard to break down.

“The team is going to have to get better at little intricate stuff to try to break teams down. I thought we were good at times, so hopefully on Tuesday we can go again.”