DAVID Brooks stated that he wants first team football – ideally at Cherries.

Brooks captained Cherries as they ran rampant over Championship side Swansea City, the Welshman setting up two goals and grabbing one himself during a dominant 5-0 win in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The 26-year-old has largely been used by head coach Andoni Iraola in the cup competitions, his lack of regular gametime leading to reports of a move away from Cherries this transfer window.

Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United and Southampton are reportedly keen on the Welsh international, but Brooks would prefer to play his football at Vitality Stadium.

He told BBC Radio Solent: “I think I'm trying to show the gaffer why I should be playing.

“I think, without being disrespectful, I've had two years out and I want to play regardless of the circumstances, so I'm looking to do that.

“I want first team football, especially for my own career and then again for Wales.

“We've got some big qualifiers coming up, so I'm looking to play as many minutes as possible.

“And hopefully (my performance against Swansea) put me more in the gaffer's mind to get some.

“The squad is very, very good here and they've had a good couple of months.

“I've had a lot of time on the sidelines and I don't want to continue it.

“I'd love to continue my football here, but it's just kind of up to everyone what they think the best situation for me is.

“When you look at it, I'd rather be playing here, but if he (the head coach) thinks there's not guaranteed football for me here, then obviously I'll try and explore the opportunities elsewhere.

“But like I said, I'd rather play here.

“So it's up to the gaffer what he wants and what he decides, and then I can just work on the situation around it.”

Boss Iraola commented on Brooks’ performance to the Daily Echo, sharing: “I think everyone has been really good because to finish with 5-0 the break, everyone has to win his duels, everyone has to do their tactical job.

“I think we were really good also in the second half. We haven't scored the goals in the second half, but the game has gone in the same way.

“I'm happy because Brooksy scored, Alex scored, Lloydy scored also in a set piece and I think Dom and Sini, but they normally score more goals. But especially for the first three I'm happy.”

With the transfer window closing on Thursday, February 1 at 11pm, there is still time for outgoing and incomings.

Asked if Brooks had given him food for thought with his display, Iraola replied: “At the end there, I've said it before, it’s the position where I have more options of higher quality and it's more difficult for me every week to choose the right wingers to start, the right wingers to play some minutes in the second half.

“I think it's something that is very good for the club, very good for the team, because they know everyone has to take his minutes and try to push to help the team, but I suppose it’s not easy for the players.”