CHERRIES defender Chris Mepham is looking to replicate Wales’s sublime Euro 2016 campaign and admitted: “It’s a real honour to represent the country.”

The talented centre-half played 90 minutes as Ryan Giggs’s side booked their place at the Euro 2020 finals with a 2-0 victory over Hungary in Cardiff.

Wales made the semi-finals at Euro 2016 - their first major tournament for 58 years – where they reached the last four having eventually bowed out to eventual champions Portugal.

Mepham revealed he had been watching clips of that tournament back ahead of securing qualification.

The 22-year-old could be joined by Cherries team-mates Harry Wilson and David Brooks for their first senior major international tournament.

Mepham told the Daily Echo: “I have seen highlights back (from Euro 2016), watched games back and that atmosphere around the place. What it would have meant to be involved in it would have been incredible.

“Hopefully at some point in my career I can replicate that and be part of the successful journey with Wales.

“There is no better feeling than putting on the Wales top and it’s a real honour to represent the country.

“A lot of hard work has gone into it. Hopefully over the next couple of years I can establish myself in the national team.”

Former Brentford man Mepham qualifies to represent Wales through his grandmother on the father’s side of the family.

With 10 senior caps now under his belt, the former Chelsea youngster insisted he never thought about switching his allegiance to England while in the Dragons’ youth ranks.

“They (Wales) gave me the opportunity to represent them at under-20 and under-21 level,” he said.

“As soon as I put that shirt on there was no question of swapping or anything like that.

“I was committed to Wales and hopefully I can be a good part of it.”

First called up to the senior Wales squad for the China Cup in March 2018, Mepham revealed his admiration for manager Giggs.

He added: “What he has achieved in his career is unbelievable really.

“He has obviously got really good knowledge of the game, he has the respect of the players.”