CHERRIES striker Kieffer Moore said it would be “amazing” when David Brooks eventually makes his return to first-team action for the Dorset club.

The Warrington-born star has not featured for Cherries since September 2021.

He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last year, but revealed his cancer all-clear, on the same day Cherries were promoted to the Premier League back in May.

Since, the 25-year-old has been working his way back to fitness and began training with Cherries' first team.

Brooks stepped up his recovery by featuring in a development squad behind-closed-doors fixture against Brentford in August.

He started the contest, but suffered a hamstring complaint and has not featured since.

There has been no public timeframe on a return to action for the former Sheffield United star. He was however pictured away from his teammates ahead of Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat against Tottenham.

Asked what it would be like to see Brooks back when he does return, Moore told the Daily Echo: “It will be amazing.

“Everything Brooksy has been through. To go through what he did and then to do his hamstring is a lot to take.

“It’s so much of a mental battle as well as a physical battle – well, I’d say equally similar.

“The day he returns here, I am sure he is going to get one of the best receptions there has ever been here really.

“With everything he has been through, had to overcome. I am sure everyone in that stadium will be full of emotion watching him step over that white line.”

Moore and Brooks are yet to line up together in Cherries colours but have both represented Wales on the same international stages, along with fellow Cherries star Chris Mepham.

Brooks has played 90 times for Cherries in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and contributing 12 assists.

Asked how Brooks was mentally after dealing with his latest setback, Moore replied: “He is a great guy.

“He is really happy, is keeping fit, working on his rehab and is doing really well.

“I don’t know when he would be looking to come back but he looks in great shape.”

Brooks signed a contract extension this summer, tying him to Cherries until the summer of 2026.

Speaking about the playmaker back in September, interim Cherries boss Gary O’Neil said: “He’s obviously had a long, tough journey.

"There will be no rush to get David Brooks back.

"I will be led purely by medical and on what is best for David Brooks.”