GOALKEEPER Darryl Flahavan insists last season’s learning curve will prevent Cherries suffering stage fright at the country’s bigger grounds.

Flahavan will be hoping to help Cherries progress in the League Cup should he get the nod for tonight’s second-round clash with Northampton at Dean Court.

The 35-year-old featured in a much-changed line-up when Cherries won their opening tie 2-0 at Exeter a fortnight ago and could be drafted in against the Cobblers.

Flahavan told the Daily Echo: “At the start of last season, we initially looked to consolidate in the league and, until the halfway point, that probably didn’t change.

“Then, we won 2-1 at Reading around Christmas time and that inspired a couple of good results. The tables turned a little bit, a couple of players came in and made a big difference and everyone just seemed to click.

“A lot of the time, particularly in the Championship, you are playing against big clubs with big names but not necessarily great players. Sometimes, you just have to leave the name of the opponent at home and concentrate on who you are up against.

“When you are inexperienced at playing these big clubs, you might get daunted by it but, when you break it down, you realise they are not necessarily any better than what you have.

“We grew in confidence in that respect last season and I wouldn’t swap what we have in our dressing room for the majority of teams I saw.

“Northampton will provide a stern test but hopefully we can keep making progress on all fronts and I am sure whoever plays will relish all the challenges ahead.”