Bournemouth star Michael Symes keen on Wes Thomas partnership

Symes scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot

Returning Bournemouth striker Michael Symes says he is keen to form a strong partnership with forward Wes Thomas and fire them up the League One table.

The Cherries are currently one place above the relegation zone after their 1-1 draw with Rochdale at the weekend.

Symes, who came off the bench for his his first league game this season, scored Bournemouth's equaliser.

"I think the partnership with Wes [Thomas] is going to be good," Symes, 27, told BBC Radio Solent.

"He has got a great work rate, good movement and is a decent finisher."

Bournemouth signed Thomas on loan from Crawley in September and so far the forward has scored twice for the Cherries.

And Symes believes his partnership with 24-year-old Thomas will only improve with time.

"The more we play with each other, the more we will suss each other's game out and the better it will be," said Symes.

"In training we are starting to gel together and in general the lads knew it would take time.

"The fans want success straight away but unfortunately that is not how it works."

The draw with Dale was only Symes' second game of the season, having previously come on in the midweek victory over Yeovil in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Symes said he was happy with how his fitness was coming along after his lengthy absence because of a groin problem, and to score his first goal of the season - even if he did have to convince Harry Artur he should take the penalty.

"It was good to get a little run out on Tuesday and then longer today [Saturday] and hopefully I'll keep on progressing as the games go by," added Symes.

"Harry has taken a couple of penalties this season and put them all away. He had every right to want to take it, but I told him I am the penalty taker from last season and when I am back in the team I will be taking them again."