LEWIS Cook stepped up his recovery from long-term injury by playing an hour for Cherries in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.
The midfielder, who has been out of action since December following knee ligament damage, played 60 minutes before being replaced alongside a host of other first-team stars.
Cook, 22, showed some nice touches in central midfield alongside Philip Billing and rode a heavy challenge during an encouraging outing on the training pitches at Vitality Stadium.
Cherries ran out comfortable winners against a youthful QPR side.
A Jordon Ibe hat-trick and Andrew Surman strike put Eddie Howe's men 4-1 ahead at half-time, with the only defensive blot coming when Steve Cook inexplicably skewed a backpass beyond goalkeeper Will Dennis and into his own net.
Dominic Solanke netted two quick goals after the restart in the 6-1 rout before members of the under-21 side were introduced for the final half an hour.
It could have been more for the hosts, who struck the post twice through Diego Rico and Jaidon Anthony, while Jake Scrimshaw missed a gilt-edged opportunity from deep inside the penalty area.
Cherries: Dennis; Stacey, S. Cook, Simpson, Rico; Surman, L. Cook, Billing, Anthony; Solanke, Ibe.
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