CHRIS Mepham revealed how players had to “get the balance right” to be fully prepared for the festive schedule – even if he didn’t know where Father Christmas lived!

The 22-year-old this week joined his team-mates at the Junior Cherries Christmas party, where players were asked questions about the Yuletide season.

“I did struggle a bit,” he told Sky Sports. “Where does Santa live? I said the South Pole, which was obviously where I thought he was.

“Turns out, he’s at the North Pole. It should have been an easy one but I was the wrong person to answer it! All the lads were laughing, I expect nothing less.”

Cherries have four fixtures in the space of 12 days from December 21 to New Year’s Day. Starting with Saturday’s home battle against Burnley (3pm).

Asked whether he still got to enjoy Christmas Day as a footballer, Wales international Mepham replied: “I haven’t really experienced that many (as a player). I am only 22.

“Last year I got sent off the game before Boxing Day, so I had a bit more time to spend with my family but I won’t be looking to repeat that this year.

“It’s important to spend time with your family, your close ones but also get the balance right in terms of, when you are in, making sure you are preparing for the games because there are really important games coming up.”

Mepham put in a talismanic display during the Dorset club’s 1-0 victory at Chelsea last time out.

He has played 90 minutes in Cherries’ past three fixtures.

He added: “We have had a tough period in terms of results and stuff. Hopefully with that result at the weekend, it puts us in a good place going forward.

“A win, what it can do for team morale and confidence within the group.

“It makes a massive difference coming in Monday morning.

“We have a lot of games coming up over the next couple of weeks and we are looking to pick as many points up.”