LEWIS Cook is ready to make his long-awaited comeback from injury this weekend, boss Scott Parker confirmed.

Cook has not featured for Cherries' first team since suffering a serious knee injury, the second of his career, whilst playing against Preston North End in March.

But after undergoing an operation to repair the anterior cruciate ligament, Cook has fought his way back to fitness and could feature against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday (8pm).

The 24-year-old has made three appearances for the club's development squad in recent weeks, including the full 90 minutes of Tuesday's friendly match at Wycombe Wanderers.

Asked how Cook came through the 1-1 draw with the Chairboys, Parker said: "He came through it really well to be fair. Two 90 minutes now.

"I think he’s ready. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Lewis, so of course the challenge now will be to try and force his way in to this team and this squad. I have no doubt he can do that.

"Lewis has got big quality. I think he’s ready now."

He added: "I was a player a little while ago and I realise during injuries they’re the worst moments really, when you feel really low. Certainly long-term ones and to go and do the same injury like Lewis has, psychologically that probably would’ve been a big blow for him in that sense.

"Since I’ve come in, I picked him up on a stage of his rehab where he was the other side of that really. Or the other side where he was pushing on a little bit.

"I’ve seen someone very, very positive. He works hard. Everything you give him, he’s definitely someone I look at who grafts, who wants to work hard, who takes pride in what he does, wants to become better. Certainly with that attitude you’ve got a chance.

"I think I see that where he is currently as well. I’m sure it’s been some tough moments for Lewis, just in the nature of two injuries and long-term like they’ve been. But I’ve certainly been impressed with him where he is."