MARK Travers revealed how coming off the bench was a different experience in his footballing career, with the young goalie sharing: “It was a new one, to be honest”. After having to watch on from the sidelines for the past seven games, Travers was brought on, the Irishman conceding late on to a Said Benrahma penalty.
Mark Travers said: “I think just looking from the kick, it looked like he felt something from the kick so from that moment just tried to stay aware, and ready. Then I saw him say he’ll go to half time and see what happens from there. So it gave me some time to get ready at half time, which is all good. It was a new one, to be honest. I’ve never really experienced that before. Every game, trying to be ready as best I can. You never want an injury for another goalkeeper. I hope Neto recovers well. We’ll just have to see what happens over the next few days.”
After establishing himself as first-choice under Scott Parker during Cherries’ promotion to the Championship, the 23-year-old appeared to be set for another season as number one at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new five-year deal over the summer. However, since O’Neil was installed as interim boss, the more experience Neto has started every Premier League fixture. Reflecting on coming out of the side,
Mark Travers added: “I think when you’re playing every week last year and then coming out, it’s always frustrating for any player really. I just tried to do my best every day for the team and in training, work hard and get my head down. Wait for the next opportunity, so that’s all I try to do. That’s his (O’Neil’s) decision that was made after the game, but I’m always ready to play and I’m happy to go on to the pitch and compete for this club, which is always what I want to do. I train every day, working. I know coming out of the team, I’ve got to work on things, to improve on in training. This way I’ll be ready for every opportunity that comes.”
