GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic labelled Chris Mepham a “top player” as the Cherries centre-back looks to star on the international stage on Saturday.

Mepham could feature for Wales in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash against Denmark in Amsterdam, having played 90 minutes in two of the Dragons’ three group contests.

It has been a busy summer for the former Chelsea youngster, whose most recent appearance for Cherries ended in disaster during the play-off semi-final at Brentford.

Deputising for the injured Steve Cook, the 23-year-old was sent off after hauling down Bryan Mbeumo after 28 minutes at Brentford Community Stadium having mis-controlled the ball in possession.

A man light, Cherries went on to lose the two-legged tie 3-2 on aggregate and miss out on their quest to return to the Premier League.

But experienced keeper Begovic expressed his belief in the defender to bounce back from that error and insisted it was part of the ups and downs of playing at a high level.

Asked about how Mepham would deal with the setback after the defeat to the Bees, Begovic said: “That’s part of being a professional.

“We have to live with the ups and downs and this game gives you some incredible highs but gives you some incredible lows.

“Meps is a guy who has got great character, who I think can bounce back from it and I think he has no other choice.

“He’s a top player. He’s got the Euros now – it’s a big learning experience for him and I’m sure he will get better.”

Mepham joined Cherries in January 2019 from Brentford in a £12million move.

The Wales international has gone on to play 56 times for Cherries in all competitions, scoring on two occasions.

Speaking further about the defender’s recent sending off, Begovic added: “These things happen in football. You have to analyse maybe why it happened, or how it happened and take it on the chin.

“He’s a top player and he will be back bigger and stronger.”