EDDIE Howe said “energiser” Dan Gosling was “getting closer” to making his comeback from injury.

The 29-year-old was last week seen working on a bike in the gym, with the Cherries boss revealing he had been set to return to running on grass.

Gosling had been ruled out for around three months having undergone surgery on a hip muscle injury at the end of July.

He played just twice for the Dorset club in pre-season in games against AFC Wimbledon and Girona before sustaining the problem.

Asked for an update on the former Everton and Newcastle man, Howe told the Daily Echo: “He is doing well.

“I think Goso is very keen to get back fit, he is working incredibly hard to make that happen.

“He is another player who is getting closer to coming back.

“Goso is a real energiser, one of the jokers in the squad and a really good character and personality to have in the mix.

“He is very popular with the other players, so I will be very keen to see him back on the pitch and producing his energetic performances.”

Fellow central midfielder Lewis Cook made his competitive return from a serious knee injury with a stellar performance in Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Everton.

With the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Philip Billing, Andrew Surman and Gavin Kilkenny all vying for midfield spots, Howe insisted Gosling would relish the competition on his return.

“I think Gos will look at it as a real challenge to get back into the starting line-up,” he added.

“It’s the type of thing he thrives on, historically he’s always answered in a positive way.

“From my perspective I am looking to get the strongest units I can.

“If we can get everyone back fit as quickly as possible, I am going to have competition and choices to make in every position.”