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Lovell making good progress

Image: Lovell: Closer to featuring

Bournemouth striker Steve Lovell is eager for a return to first-team action but knows he must not rush his comeback.

The 30-year-old had been out of action for over 12 months with an ankle problem but was an unused substitute during the 2-2 draw with Charlton on Saturday, his first involvement in a Cherries squad since joining the club in the summer. He continued his comeback in the reserves on Tuesday, playing for an hour and netting the second goal in a 2-0 win at Reading. Lovell told the Bournemouth Echo: "I was disappointed not to get on on Saturday but I've come a long way and I'd only had 45 minutes of football in a year. I'm still a way off being completely match-fit, but as long as the manager has a choice and I'm knocking on the door, I'm happy. "I think the manager always intended me to play for an hour yesterday (Tuesday). The problem when you've been out for so long is that your head wants to do it but your body can't and you pick up injuries when you get tired. I hope I'd be able to influence a game if I did come on and I'm relishing getting back out there and pulling a shirt on for Bournemouth again."

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