CHERRIES star Steve Cook insists he will have a “point to prove” when he returns to former club Brighton tonight.

Sussex-born Cook, who came through the Seagulls rank, is set to line up at the Amex Stadium for the first time since his departure.

The classy defender, short-listed for the Championship player of the month for March, has been instrumental in Cherries’ promotion push this season.

Cook made seven league and cup appearances for Brighton before he signed permanently for Cherries in January 2012 following a successful loan spell.

A bargain £170,000 buy during Lee Bradbury’s time as manager, Cook has established himself as one of the most competent central defenders outside of the Premier League.

And having sat out Cherries’ 1-1 draw at the Amex due to injury in November 2014, Cook is determined to show the Brighton faithful how he has grown in stature under Eddie Howe.

Cook, whose proud record of having played every minute of every Championship game this season ended when he was subbed against Ipswich seven days ago, told the Daily Echo: “A lot of water has passed under the bridge since I was there.

“I played under four different managers and they have all long gone. I did have a chance to stay there before I came here and they offered me a new contract.

“But I always felt I wasn’t going to play and felt I wasn’t given a fair crack of the whip which was a shame because I had been there a long time.

“Coming here turned out to be a great decision and I have absolutely no regrets about leaving Brighton when I did because Bournemouth gave me my chance.

“I would like to think I have taken it and feel I have made progress. I would be lying if I said leaving Brighton wasn’t a big disappointment at the time. I am a Sussex boy and I consider it my hometown club.

“It is a shame to see them at the wrong end of the table but I think they are going to be safe. I was disappointed to miss the game last season so am really looking forward to playing there.

“I will have a point to prove but the game is huge for us and it is not about one individual. I still have a lot of friends there but, hopefully, we can play well, put on a good performance and come away with the three points.”