GARY O’Neil is pleased to have goalkeeper Neto available again “ahead of schedule”.

The Brazilian returned between the sticks for Cherries during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Brentford, in which Ivan Toney and Mathias Jensen found the net.

It marked a first appearance for the 33-year-old since the 2-0 loss at West Ham United in October, where was withdrawn at half-time with a hamstring injury.

Last year’s player of the season Mark Travers returned to take Neto’s place for the nine matches in between, but reverted back to the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Discussing Neto’s return, head coach O’Neil told afcbTV: “He’s big for us.

“He’s worked really hard to get back as quickly as he has, ahead of schedule.

“He’s big for us, so pleased to have him back. There’s not much he could have done about either goal.”