Bournemouth defender Steve Cook has welcomed the competition from fit-again teammate Tyrone Mings.

It took Mings nearly 13 months to make his competitive return when he featured in Cherries' League Cup loss to Preston at the end of last month.

Cook told the Daily Echo: "He's a very good footballer. He is young but has picked up the position with ease.

"First of all, it's great to see him back playing. He has had a very tough year but I think he has learned a lot. Hopefully, he will push me all the way for the position because that will get the best out of myself and other players around.

"That's what you want and that's what being in a Premier League squad is about. You never want to rest on your laurels and, hopefully, he can keep improving, get some games under his belt and push myself and the other lads in front of him.

"You have got to have that competition to get the best out of yourself and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. We have a very good squad and competition for places all over. It's very healthy."