Callum Wilson played over an hour as he returned from knee injury to play for the under-21s on Wednesday.
Wilson - who had surgery on a serious knee injury in February - started the Premier League Cup game against Norwich City, a game the Cherries won 3-2.
The striker spoke to afcbTV after the game, saying he was feeling sharp after his first taste of playing action this season.
"It was good," he said. "I felt confident, strong, fit - not out of place really. It was good to get minutes, albeit for the under-21s.
"A game's a game at this stage I'm at and hopefully I'll be back in the first team soon."
Eight months after suffering the injury in training Wilson said the issue hadn't troubled him at all during his time on the pitch.
"It feels fine, it's not even in my mind. I know it's strong, I've done all my testing and everything says it's stronger than last time," he continued.
"I didn't even think about it, I just thought about playing well and focus on the pitch.
"This time round I feel a lot better, last time I think I rushed myself back a little bit . I took longer this time and I think I've benefited from that.
"I've been to see different people and Jonny King, the physio at the club, has really helped.
"Training's been good, I've been training with the squad and I feel sharp and good. I wanted to get a game and now I've ticked that box and played 65 minutes.
"Now it's whenever the manager thinks I'm ready and for for selection."
