ANXIOUS Chris Mepham wants to recover from his George Ezra nightmare when he takes centre stage for his Cherries initiation.

The centre-half revealed he had been frantically fine-tuning his vocal chords having been tasked with singing for his team-mates.

Mepham is in contention to feature at Cardiff tomorrow (5.30pm) after coming off the bench to make his Premier League debut in the 4-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

And as well as remembering set-piece routines and key instructions, the 21-year-old will be brushing up on his singing skills.

Global superstar Ezra sealed the number one spot in four different countries with the smash hit ‘Budapest’, which was Mepham’s song of choice when delivering a musical performance at former club Brentford.

But the Wales international admitted his rendition “didn’t go down well” and was hoping for an improvement in front of his new colleagues.

He told the Daily Echo: “I am trying to think of a song to do and I’m not looking forward to that! I will have a good think and make sure I know the lyrics.

“I have done it before. I sang George Ezra – Budapest. It didn’t go down well, I was a nervous wreck and was shaking on the table and all sorts.

“It wasn’t ideal. Hopefully, it will get easier as time goes on.

“Hopefully, I will get some sort of reaction. It’s really awkward if everyone just sits there in silence. Whether it’s a laugh or a clap – anything – as long as there is no silence in the room!”

Mepham has hit the right notes with Cherries boss Eddie Howe, who finally secured his services in January.

With victory over one of the Premier League’s big six under his belt at the first time of asking, the Hammersmith-born star is already starting to settle in.

“I have been trying to take on board what the gaffer has been saying and trying to learn new ideas,” said Mepham.

“It is hard coming into a new team with a different style but I feel I have settled in well and the boys have made it really easy for me.

“All the staff have been lovely and I am keen to learn and improve every day.”

Cherries midfielder Dan Gosling performed R&B classic ‘Let Me Love You’ by Mario for his performance in Austria five years ago.

Recalling his initiation, the midfielder said: “It was very nerve-racking.

“You have to go for it. If you’re shy and timid it’s a bit awkward but if you go for it and get the lads involved it’s a good icebreaker.

“It’s good to get to know your personality and character – I smashed it of course!”

He added: “Chris has been good in the dressing room and is very talkative. He has been getting to know all the lads – it was good for him to get a couple of minutes against Chelsea and get in on a nice result.

“He will be a great addition to the squad. I’m not sure what song he is going to give us!”