BOURNEMOUTH boss Scott Parker vowed today that the club will unite in support of midfielder David Brooks after he was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma.

The 24-year-old is due to start treatment next week having pulled out of the most recent Wales squad due to illness.

Speaking before his side’s trip to Bristol City tomorrow, Parker described the news as “devastating.”

“The main focus for all of us is putting in support mechanisms and showing the strength and support he is going to need in the months ahead,” he said.

“We will unite around David, and I have no doubt he will be back out there with us doing what he does best and what he loves doing.”

“He is a loved member of the team, and speaking to his team-mates I can see that,” Parker continued.

“I’ve been here for 16 weeks and I’ve got to know David, but there are boys who have known him for years, and there’s real hurt.

“What’s also jumping out at me is a group of people who want to support him, and help him through this next stage of his life.”