Cherries manager Lee Bradbury has backed Michael Symes to emerge stronger from his injury nightmare to play a starring role next term.

The striker endured a frustrating first full season at Dean Court as persistent shoulder and groin problems hampered his involvement.

Symes, signed last summer from Accrington Stanley, was restricted to 24 appearances – eight of which came from the bench – after struggling to shrug off the injuries.

But despite that, the talented forward proved his ability at League One level by netting eight goals and producing some eye-catching displays.

He enjoyed a particularly good spell early in Bradbury’s reign, scoring four times before a groin problem sidelined him for almost two months.

Bradbury told the Echo: “I think Symesey could be a massive player for us next season.

“We put him back in the team and instilled confidence in him and gave him self belief, which is massive for any striker.

“Like all the players, I want him to play freely and express himself. We gave him the licence to do that and he excelled. He came in and scored a few goals and then picked up his injury.

“That was disappointing for us because it was at the wrong time of the season as well. But on the flip side, Steve Lovell came into the team and did great as well, so we are spoiled for choice and have some good players to choose from.”

Symes is one of a number of frontmen set to battle for a place in Cherries’ team next term, with the likes of Danny Ings, Lovell and Steve Fletcher also in contention for the attacking berths.

Bradbury said: “He can score goals. He is 6ft 2in, holds up the ball well, links well with the other striker, which was Danny Ings on a lot of occasions, and he has got good finishing ability.

“He is also a threat in the air. He has got all the attributes to be a fantastic player.

“Given a bit of confidence and time to get his fitness over pre-season, I’m sure he will be a good player for us next season.”

Bradbury added: “It is very difficult when you are injured. You are frustrated, you see the team doing well and you want to be involved.

“I have experienced it myself. It is hard playing in teams that are doing well and then being out injured for a long time.

“But Symesey would have become hungrier looking at that from the stands. It can only have been good for him. You can take positives out of everything.”