CUSTODIAN Mark Travers believes his sustained run as Cherries' number one is paying dividends when it comes to his personal growth as a goalkeeper.

The Maynooth-born shot-stopper established himself as first-choice last season, playing a pivotal role as Cherries returned to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Travers made 45 appearances, recording a league-high 20 clean sheets to claim the division's Golden Glove award.

When asked by the Daily Echo how regular football had helped him to improve, the 23-year-old replied: "You always have that belief that you can do it.

"To actually come out and do it, just gives you that growing in confidence, and loads of different bits in my game as well – coming for crosses, playing out (from the back), loads of different stuff.

"So it's great feeling that, to be able to come out here and do it every week for Bournemouth."

Travers is currently on international duty with Ireland in the Nations League, where he has been an unused sub in their last three games.

Despite the absence of current first-choice Gavin Bazunu due to injury, Travers has remained second-fiddle to Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.

In total, Travers has made three appearances for his nation, with his last appearance coming in March 2021.

Travers and co. will now travel to Poland to face Ukraine in an 'away' fixture. 

The Irish picked up their first win in three editions of the competition against Scotland last time out, ending a run of 12 games without a win in the Nations League.