SHOT-STOPPER Mark Travers said it was a “real honour” to be named as the Daily Echo/Micky Cave AFC Bournemouth player of the year.

Travers, who joined Cherries as a 17-year-old from Shamrock Rovers, has impressed with some big performances during Cherries’ promotion back to the Premier League.

The Irishman’s breakthrough season has been recognised by Daily Echo readers, with the 22-year-old earning 55 per cent of the overall vote.

After the departure of last year’s winner, Asmir Begovic, Travers has become an established face in the starting XI, playing all but one league game this campaign.

Whilst Travers may have became Cherries’ starting ‘keeper by default, the Irish international has truly cemented his position with his performances, clinching the Championship’s golden glove thanks to 20 clean sheets in 45 appearances, conceding just 39 goals.

Reflecting on being awarded the gong by Echo readers, Travers told the Daily Echo: “It's a real honour when the fans are voting, and you get to pick up the award.

“It's a really special moment and I’m just grateful for them for voting for me, and giving me the award, because it's really special.”

Travers follows in the footsteps of the previous two winners, Begovic and Aaron Ramsdale, both goalkeepers, whilst also replicating fellow countryman Gerry Peyton, who was named the first ever winner back in 1987.

“Obviously, the two previous winners are goalkeepers as well, so a bit of pressure on that side,” continued Travers.

“But now it's nice to keep the goalkeeping union going as well.”

After a campaign that ended in four awards for Travers, the Irishman stressed that his main aim ahead of the season was to play regular football.

Aside from the Daily Echo/Micky Cave trophy, Maynooth-born Travers was also awarded with the Supporters’ Player of the Season and the Vice President’s Player of the Season.

Reflecting on the campaign, Travers stated: “It's a great feeling.

“Obviously, the past two seasons, I haven’t played as much football as I wanted to. That was my one goal this season, to play regular football.

“Obviously to be at Bournemouth as well, doing that is great. And to only miss one game this season is unreal for me.

“That was sort of an achievement that I set out at the start, and to do it is a great thing to do.

“And at my age as well, I’m just looking to keep improving and trying to get better as much as I can.”

Since making his debut against Spurs, Travers has played 55 times for Cherries, conceding 55 goals and recording 24 clean sheets.