GARY O'Neil insists summer signing Joe Rothwell is “extremely keen to get involved” having yet to feature competitively for Cherries.

Arriving at the Vitality Stadium after his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired, Rothwell has been sidelined since picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly with Bristol City.

Speaking earlier this month, Gary O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Joe has a few more weeks of work to do but will be fine. Footballers know they are going to get injured at certain times.

“It’s never nice and it’s tough to go through those times in the gym on your own where the other boys are out there playing football, doing what you want to be doing but can’t.

“I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and he seems fine and understands the process.

“He knows everyone is keen to get him back out there but only when it’s safe and right to do so.

“He's working hard and is extremely keen to get involved, as players always are when they are injured.”