LEWIS Cook is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with former team-mate Harry Arter tomorrow evening and said: "He was a great player to learn off."

Cook and Arter spent two full seasons together at Cherries before the latter departed on loan to Cardiff City and Fulham and then joined Nottingham Forest permanently in September.

And the central midfield duo could be in direct competition at Vitality Stadium tomorrow with Forest heading south to face Cherries in the Championship (8pm).

"H was great," Cook told the Daily Echo.

"Ever since I came he was always good with me. He was a great player to learn off, the way he played the game and the energy and the tenacity of him.

"Obviously he was great with both feet and it was something I want to try and do as well.

"It will be good to see him and you know what he’s like when he runs around the pitch, he can be a bit aggressive so it will be a good battle!

"He’s a good lad and he was good to have around the place (earlier this season). In his last game I think he was top drawer so it’s good to see him."

Arter returned to Cherries this summer after his two loan spells and made his 256th and final appearance for the club in the Carabao Cup contest with Crystal Palace, which Cherries won on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

He then brought to an end his 10-year stay for the Dorset outfit to join Forest.

"It will be good to see him again," said boss Jason Tindall.

"Hopefully if he plays, he doesn’t play too well! I don’t wish that on many people, but no I’m only joking.

"H was a great servant for the football club. Someone we signed for minimal money from Woking and the contribution he made to the football club was excellent and another big reason why the club did so well.

"It will be nice to see him, as it is whenever you come across any of your old players that served the club so well.

"You’re always happy to see them, you just hope they have one of their quieter days if they play. But I’m looking forward to seeing him."

Asked if he was keen for Arter to stay at Cherries this season, Tindall added: "H did well during his time whilst he was here and he was training. He would’ve been part of the squad and trained well every day and when he played he did what H always does, he always gives 100 per cent and performs to the best of his capabilities.

"I was really pleased with what he gave us during that time.

"Obviously Nottingham Forest came in and it was a good opportunity for him and we felt it was best he moved on and went and played consistent games."