AFC Bournemouth's Iraola confirms Brooks will return from Southampton

The Cherries reluctantly agreed to allow the Welsh international to sign on loan at St Mary's in January to get regular match minutes.

Russell Martin's side are two wins away from returning to the Premier League with their Championship playoff semi-final on a knife edge.

Brooks could play a key role but is set to return to Bournemouth once the campaign is finished, as Iroala reaffirmed this week.

Asked if that was still the plan, he told our colleagues at the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “Yes, no change at all.

AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola (Image: PA)

“I hope he finishes strong, he can get promoted and be very important for his club now. He will try definitely but he will come back after the summer.

“I have always said it, Brooksy is a very good player. I rate him very highly, but it was a matter of him wanting to play more minutes.

“That’s the reason we decided to let him go on loan, for these months.”

Brooks, 26, has made 18 appearances for Saints - 11 as a starter - providing two goals and five assists.

Brooks has started as a substitute in each of the last two with Martin moving away from using natural wingers in a new five-at-the-back tactic.

Bournemouth could record a top-half Premier League finish if they better Brighton's result on the final day of the season.