Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier on boost of David Brooks scoring

The club were rocked when Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare type of cancer, in October 2021.

Thankfully, the 26-year-old has now made a full recovery and, after also battling back from a hamstring injury, made his long-awaited return to action at Aston Villa in March 2023.

Brooks went on to make five more appearances for Cherries at the end of last season, also returning to Wales action.

Before heading away with his nation again this week, Brooks got back among the goals for his club.

The midfielder captained Cherries to victory at Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on August 29, scoring his first competitive goal in more than two years.

Just a few days later he came off the bench to net in the Premier League, in a 2-2 draw at Brentford, his first at that level since Project Restart in July 2020.

“I’m over the moon for him to get his first goal back in the Premier League after so long, because he’s worked ever so hard on the training pitch and there’s no-one else on that team who deserves it more,” said teammate Marcus Tavernier.

Asked if Brooks is seen as a source of inspiration, Tavernier added: “100 per cent. Everyone knows his story and how unfortunate it was for him.

“I only came at the back end of what happened and he’s worked ever so hard since I’ve been here and from what I’ve seen.

“He’s a great guy and I’ve got close with him. I was so happy for him when he got that goal, his first Premier League goal back and I’m happy to have assisted him as well.

“I’m not happy that he jumped on me when my legs were gone, we’ve spoken about that! But he’s a great inspiration for the team.

“In the showers I asked him if that was his first goal back and he told me and I was over the moon for him, because it means a lot, not just for him but for the team as well and how much he’s worked hard to get back to where he is and performing the way he is.”

He added: “You saw the reception he got when he made his first game back against Aston Villa from their fans. It’s bigger than football.

“Their fans gave him a great reception and it’s great that he’s come back from where he’s been.”

Striker Dominic Solanke, who also netted at Brentford, said of Brooks: “I get on with him really well.

“Since I first came here really I’ve got on really well with him. He fits in well with everyone really.

“Obviously what happened to him was not nice for any of us, it hurt us all.

“For us to see him come back and play as well as he has been and scoring goals, it means so much for all of us.

“For him to come back after however long he was out, it was a while and for him to show the quality he has been in the last few weeks, I think if we keep him fit, it’s like another signing.”

Boss Andoni Iraola added: “I am really happy, not only because of his situation, which is pretty obvious, but because he has been pushing since day one.

“I don’t think he has even missed any training session since the day I came here. He is pushing.”

Brooks came off the bench as Wales drew 0-0 in a friendly with South Korea on Thursday in Cardiff and is set to travel to Latvia for their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday evening (7.45pm).