HEAD coach Scott Parker said returning Lewis Cook was “another game away” from being selectable for Cherries’ first team.

Cook is on the comeback trail having recovered from rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament during a Championship clash with Preston back in March.

The England international played 90 minutes for the club’s development side in a 1-1 draw with Southampton on Wednesday.

Asked when Cook might be available for first-team contests, Parker said: “He’s definitely getting there. There’s probably elements where there’s another game that maybe I’d want to look at him in to get another 90 minutes.

“There is a game coming up next week, so there’s an option there to really give him the confidence to see him and to get those match minutes under his belt.

“It’s all right training, I realise that, but certainly game time is crucial really.

“I think he’s probably another game away from then trying to force his way into this team really and being selectable.”

Cook has played 120 times for the Dorset club since signing from Leeds United in July 2016.

He signed a fresh three-year contract at Cherries last month, committing him to the club until at least the summer of 2024.