Gary O’Neil
Having played a bit-part role for much of last season, Mepham was a key figure for Cherries during the early months of this campaign. Discussing the 25-year-old’s performance at King Power Stadium, after his spell watching from the stands,
Gary O’Neil said: “It is because of his reaction to being left out really. We had everyone fit, pretty much, and we’re going to have to leave two big players out from squads at that moment. It happened to be Meps for a number of reasons – tactical, what the opposition might bring, some of the other balance that we needed. He reacted excellently from that moment. He trained incredibly well last week and the way he approached it sort of made my decision for me (on Saturday), with who we put in to replace Marcos. You only get a performance (on Saturday) like that if you’ve done the work. Meps has kept himself ready and when his opportunity has come, he’s able to show what a good player he is.”
Cherries climbed out of the relegation zone with victory at Leicester, the fourth time they have collected maximum points in their last eight fixtures. Asked what the mood was like in the dressing room at full-time on Saturday,
Gary O’Neil said: “They’re happy in there, they’re enjoying themselves. A few cups a tea, a bit of music on. They’re having a good time! The lads have won four of the last eight games in the Premier League, so they’re in a good spot.”
Cherries return to action on Saturday, with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur (3pm).
