WHILE Chris Mepham admitted he now felt “stronger” for going through two separate operations this year – he insists he does not wish that fate on anyone.

The talented 22-year-old was ravaged by knee problems during the second half of the extended 2019-20 campaign, only playing 10 minutes of the Dorset club’s final 17 top-flight games.

Having no control while your club suffers relegation could never be an easy thing to watch.

But now he is back up to full fitness, the centre-back is eager to build on an impressive start to the new Championship season.

Mepham first went under the knife in January, after sustaining a serious knee problem during a clash against Luton in the FA Cup.

He then underwent a meniscus operation in the opposite knee during July.

Asked what the past nine months had been like to deal with, the former Brentford man told the Daily Echo: “From the outside looking in, you don’t actually see how difficult a period it is.

“Being isolated in the physio room, away from the lads on a day-to-day basis – coming out from that injury and having to have another operation on my other knee – it was a really tough time for me.

“I think anyone going through injuries, it is a dark place at times. That’s why it’s important to make the most of the positive people around you – your team-mates, staff, friends and family.

“There were days when I came in and thought ‘urgh, another day of doing the same stuff’ and it can get draining but, ultimately, you’ve got a goal at the end, which you know is being back out on the pitch. That was the driving factor for me in the end.

“Friends, my girlfriend, supported me throughout and that’s really important for anyone who is going through an injury. Luckily, I had that all the way through, it made it a lot easier for me.

“A lot of hard work goes into it but when you have games where you come away winning and keeping a clean sheet, it makes all that hard work worth it.

“It’s just important for me to build on from now and, hopefully, contribute to good performances defensively and the most important things are getting the wins.”

Mepham’s next test could come at international level for Wales against England tomorrow, as he prepares to play at Wembley for the first time in his career.

He could have missed out on the Euro 2020 finals due to his injury issues, had the tournament not been put back due to COVID-19.

But having helped Cherries to an unbeaten start in the Championship this season, the Wales international is eager to use his previous injury gremlins as a sense of perception.

“You definitely do come out the other side stronger,” he added.

“When some negative moments pop-up, which with football is always going to happen – whether that’s not being in the team, losing, bad performances – I think it puts things into perspective when you do have a significant knee injury.

“It doesn’t make those other negatives seem as bad a deal as what you think it is.

“I do feel stronger coming out of it and having experienced that. But I don’t wish it on anyone and hopefully I don’t have it again.”

At six feet three inches, Mepham is seen as a tall, commanding presence at the heart of Cherries’ backline.

And while he is more used to dealing with powerful target men on the pitch, the centre-back recently welcomed in a more diminutive, four-legged friend to keep him on his toes and freshen his mind away from football.

“I’ve got a little sausage dog,” said Mepham, who lives with his girlfriend Jodie.

“It wasn’t my choice but the missus bullied me out of my decision!

“Dogs obviously don’t understand when you are down, they just appreciate you being there.

“Sometimes you come back from football a little bit down because of the result and sometimes a dog can lift your mood. When you come back in a good mood, it makes it even better.

“She’s settled in really well and hopefully we will have some really good memories with her.”

He added: “I think a lot of it was for my girlfriend. She is living down here and left her family in London. It was important for her to have something to keep her occupied during the day.

“She’s always loved sausage dogs. Like I said, I got outvoted. There was no way I was getting my decision.

“For both of us, it’s really nice to have a dog that will keep us on our toes – sometimes it’s a bit annoying, as you can imagine!”

And while taking Nala for walks will now also be on his to-do list, Mepham’s strong return can only be a positive to help lead Cherries back to England’s elite level.