CHRIS Mepham heaped praise on Cherries team-mate David Brooks’s impeccable start to life in the Premier League.

Brooks, who missed the Dorset club’s past two games with an ankle problem, has taken the top-flight by storm this season.

A £10million summer signing from Sheffield United, the 21-year-old has registered six goals and four assists from 22 league games.

And Mepham, who arrived from Brentford for £12million in January, believes his Wales team-mate has grasped every opportunity on the biggest stage.

He told the Daily Echo: “Brooksy has shown the younger lads can more than hold their own.

“It’s important that no matter how old you are, when you do get thrown in, you stand on your own two feet and look after yourself.

“You have to look at Brooksy as an example of what could happen. He is an example of someone who has taken every opportunity that has been thrown at him.

“There is no reason why if Brooksy can do it, someone else can’t. As a defender I know it may take a bit longer but I am looking to settle in quickly.”