GARY O'Neil revealed his delight at having Ryan Fredericks available again, with the full-back impressing since his return to fitness.

Former Fulham and West Ham United man Fredericks arrived at Cherries on a free transfer over the summer.

But after suffering a calf injury during pre-season, he had to wait to make his competitive debut.

That finally arrived the day after Scott Parker was sacked as boss, with interim head coach O'Neil introducing Fredericks from the bench 20 minutes from time during the 0-0 draw with Wolves.

Then, with Cherries 2-0 down at Nottingham Forest at half-time, Fredericks was called upon again as O'Neil changed shape.

The 29-year-old operated from right-wing-back and helped his new club overturn the deficit, to record a memorable 3-2 victory.

Footage released by Cherries showed Fredericks's wild celebrations when Jaidon Anthony slotted home the late winner at the City Ground.

Discussing how quickly summer signing Fredericks has settled in at the club, O'Neil, who previously worked as a coach with the the first team before stepping into the hotseat following Parker's dismissal, told the Daily Echo: "His attributes on the pitch will be big to us.

"He’s a great athlete, strong, physical, very good on the ball. So he’s a good player, firstly, which is always nice to get back in and around your squad and team.

"And he’s a leader as well.

"He’s great around the place, helps galvanise the group.

"When times are tough, he can be good for you. When times are going well also.

"He’s just really good to have around the group and the squad and happy to have him fit again."

In a young squad, Potters Bar-born Fredericks boasts some much-needed top-flight experience, having spent the past four seasons in the Premier League with West Ham.

He will be pushing for his first start for the club when Cherries head to Newcastle United on Saturday (3pm).