REJUVENATED Michael Symes is determined to shrug off his injury woes and keep scoring after ending his lengthy wait for a goal.

The talented targetman produced one of his best displays for Cherries as he fired home the opener in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient.

Injury-plagued Symes has seen his game-time heavily restricted since moving to Dean Court in the summer.

But he discovered his top form when he netted a majestic effort against Orient, running from halfway before curling home an accurate finish.

Although Dean Cox’s last-gasp equaliser spoiled the party, Cherries boss Lee Bradbury would have been encouraged by another improved Symes performance.

Asked if it was a big relief to score for the first time since his brace against Exeter on September 28, he told the Echo: “Yes, it is a big relief.

“But I haven’t played in that time and I think the longest run I’ve had in the team is four games.

“In that time, I’ve had a couple of substitute appearances but you can’t really count those. As a forward, you need a good run in the team.

“Hopefully, in the second half of the season my legs will be fresh with the amount of football I have missed so I can kick on and keep scoring.”

Symes made a bright start to life with Cherries by finding the net four times in his first six league appearances.

But persistent shoulder and groin problems held back Symes until he made his first start in 15 weeks against Brighton last month.

Reflecting on his time spent on the sidelines, he said: “I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years which have needed operations.

“This one hasn’t but I’d put it up there with, probably, the most frustrating injuries I’ve had in my career, just because of the way it has lingered.

“Coming to a new club, I wanted to do well and it set me back three or four months, so it’s been hard.”