GARY O'Neil confirmed midfield duo Joe Rothwell and Ben Pearson are "fully training with the group", but stopped short of confirming they will make the trip to Fulham tomorrow.

Summer signing Rothwell is yet to make his competitive Cherries debut, having suffered a quad injury during pre-season, while Pearson has been nursing a knee issue.

But the former Manchester United youngsters are edging ever closer to a return.

"They’re back training," confirmed interim boss O'Neil.

"They’re fully training with the group, so it’s been a good week for both of them."

Asked if either will be in the squad at Craven Cottage, O'Neil added: "I’m not sure. I haven’t decided on exactly how that will go.

"I’ll wait. Team news I’d rather let come out tomorrow just before the game.

"But they’ve both had a really good week, so really pleased with where they both are."

Discussing the added competition within the squad with the pair returning to fitness, O'Neil said: "It’s nice. We’ve been a little bit short numbers wise the last couple of weeks.

"The matchday squad has sort of picked itself.

"With people coming back, it gives us decisions to make, which is nice. So, really positive that the boys are coming back and able to add something."

O'Neil also confirmed neither Lloyd Kelly (ankle) nor David Brooks (hamstring) would be ready in time to face Marco Silva's men.

"It comes too quickly for Lloyd Kelly still and David Brooks is still recovering," he said.

"But apart from that, everyone is doing really, really well, so looking forward to it."