‘That’s the hardest part about football, not playing’ – Mark Travers keen to most of Premier League opportunity
Bournemouth's Irish goalkeeper Mark Travers, centre, with Ryan Christie, left, and Adam Smith celebrate after the final whistle of the Premier League win over Wolves at Molineux
Mark Travers says he’s determined to make the most of his Premier League run with Bournemouth after a “difficult” spell on the sidelines.
Travers is on a high after back to back appearances – and clean sheets – for Bournemouth and he’s expected to keep his place in the team for the final three games of the Premier League campaign, next up Saturday’s trip to play Arsenal, a key game in the Premier League title race.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 29th April
It’s been a frustrating season for the 24-year-old who began the campaign on loan to Stoke City but was recalled mid-season by the Cherries due to their injury situation, but apart from three FA Cup games in January/February he watched from the bench. But boss Andoni Iraola chose Travers over Neto for the last two games and while he will assess his future in the summer, for now he’s content to get game time.
“Whatever the manager wants me to do, I’ll come in and try and do my best. Of course I just want to play football. We’ll see what happens. But at the moment it’s really exciting for the next few games,” Travers said.
“I never sort of view it as being a number two. I just try to come in every day and push myself and give the best I can. Of course days are difficult where you are frustrated, but just try and do my best. Of course I want to play week in, week out. I’d be lying if I said I was happy that I wasn’t.
“But opportunities like this come along, so I just try to really enjoy it, because I know it’s really difficult sitting on the bench. When you have that chance to enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of a gameday, it’s class.
“I think that’s the hardest part about football, not playing. What you do when you’re not playing is tough.
“But thankfully I have a really strong family and partner behind me, who keeps me going and always push me. I’m always grateful for that and try not to overthink it too much.
“Then I always try to see the bigger picture. That moment always comes in football and you have to be ready to take it. I just tried to stay focused and do the best I could.”
Travers has also been a spectator at international level, reduced to status of third-choice behind Gavin Bazunu and Caoimhín Kelleher but a season-ending injury for Bazunu opens up the door to some game time in the June friendlies against Hungary and Portugal,
