David Brooks: Wales and Bournemouth midfielder to 'explore opportunities' for first team football
- Published
Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks says he is willing to "explore opportunities elsewhere" to guarantee first team football and more minutes.
The Wales international set up the first two Cherries goals before scoring one himself in a 5-0 hammering of Swansea City in the FA Cup on Thursday.
Brooks has made just two Premier League starts this season and has under 10 hours of playing time for the season.
"I just want to play first team football," the 26-year old said.
"I've had a lot of time of the sidelines and I don't want to continue there.
"I'd love to continue my football here but it's up to everyone what they think the best situation is.
"I'd rather be playing here but if he [manager Andoni Iraola] thinks there isn't guaranteed football for me here I'll try and explore opportunities elsewhere."
As well as his own ambitions, Brooks says his desire to play more minutes is also to ensure his place for his country.
Wales compete in the 2024 European Championship play-offs in March, and are two wins away from travelling to Germany for this summer's tournament.
While Brooks says he would be prepared to move elsewhere for more game time, he reiterated his preference to stay with Bournemouth.
Brooks is looking to make up for lost time after missing 536 days worth of Premier League fixtures as he recovered from cancer treatment.
Brooks was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021 and in May 2022 said he was "cancer free" before returning to Premier League action last March.
"I'm trying to show the gaffer why I should be playing," said Brooks.
"I want first team football. I've had two years out and I want to play regardless of the circumstances.
"I'm looking to do that, I want first team minutes for my own career and for Wales - we have some big qualifiers coming up so I'm looking to play as many minutes as possible.
"Tonight, hopefully, has put me more in the gaffer's mind to get some."
Brooks' next chance to feature for Bournemouth will come after the deadline of the January transfer window as the Cherries travel to London to face West Ham United on 1 February.