KEEPER Mark Travers described as an “unbelievable talent” midfield maestro Gavin Kilkenny and insisted: “I am sure he will get his chance.”

Midfielder Kilkenny had started the season in the heart of Cherries’ side, with boss Scott Parker’s charges ravaged by injuries.

The Dubliner went on to play 13 times in the Championship before the turn of the year but has not been seen in a league game since a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on December 18.

He did feature in the FA Cup for Cherries against Yeovil and Boreham Wood – and last month helped the Republic of Ireland under-21s to a 2-0 victory over Sweden, in 2023 Under-21 European Championship qualifying.

But boss Parker has opted for Jefferson Lerma, Lewis Cook and Philip Billing in midfield in recent weeks – with the likes of Ben Pearson and Todd Cantwell taking spots on the bench.

Asked how tough it was to see his fellow countryman Kilkenny out of the side, Travers told the Daily Echo: “It’s obviously difficult for Gav at the minute but I think, luckily, he’s such a positive lad and mindset, which helps.

“He’s been great in training, working really hard. He has done really well with the Irish under-21s, got them in a great position as well a few weeks ago, beating Sweden.

“He’s a great guy and he continues to work really hard and I am sure he will get his chance.

“The way he played was fantastic this season. He’s an unbelievable talent. I am sure he will get a lot more game time.”

Kilkenny featured for Cherries' development squad, alongside fellow first-team players James Hill and Emiliano Marcondes in a 2-1 friendly defeat against Fulham at Canford Arena on Tuesday afternoon.

Cherries are currently in one of the box seats to land automatic promotion to the Premier League, occupying second spot in the Championship table.

But with seven games of their season remaining, first-choice keeper Travers insisted everyone in the squad would need to be prepared.

“You need every person in the squad to get to where we want to be because you never know what can happen in the run-in,” he added.

“There’s a lot of games in a short amount of time.

“I think everyone has to be prepared to step in at any point if anything happens and I think there is a great, positive mindset around the club at the minute.

“Everyone is pulling together to try to get to the same place.”

Cherries’ next test comes at home against Boro on Good Friday (3pm).