JONATHAN Woodgate applauded the hunger of Jack Wilshere and said the midfielder was “getting there” in a bid to get back up to full speed.

Wilshere has played 234 minutes across five Championship games, since re-signing for Cherries on a free transfer last month.

The former Arsenal star featured for 66 minutes in Saturday’s stalemate at Nottingham Forest before being replaced by David Brooks.

Asked how Wilshere was feeling having now got some game time under his belt with Cherries, caretaker manager Woodgate said: “He’s getting there.

“It just takes a bit of time to get all the sharpness back. He’s played a few 60 minutes now but he’s getting there.”

The boss added: “He’s hungry and fair play to him, he’s a hungry lad.

“He’s come to Bournemouth to ply his trade and to get playing football again.

“What a really good player he can be for the football club. He needs games and more training sessions and it comes.”

Wilshere, who was rested in the FA Cup against Burnley last week, has started Cherries’ past two league fixtures.

He scored and assisted in a 3-2 victory over Birmingham City – Woodgate’s first game in charge.

“In our team we’ve got a lot of quality throughout,” said Cherries temporary manager.

“It’s not just Jack. We’ve got Arnie (Danjuma), Brooksy, Phil (Billing), Junior (Stanislas). Players who can win games.”

Wilshere is expected to be involved when the Dorset club host Rotherham on Wednesday.