MARK Travers insists it was a "no-brainer" to sign a new five-year contract with Cherries, added: "I love playing at this football club."

Travers put pen-to-paper on a fresh long-term deal with the club, on the back of a superb season, which saw him win a host of awards.

The 23-year-old won the Championship's Golden Glove, as well as the Daily Echo-Micky Cave Player of the Year and the Cherries' Player of the Season trophies.

Having had to be patient to wait for his chances, the Maynooth-born stopper grabbed his opportunity last season to take the role vacated by Asmir Begovic's departure to Everton, and when a summer move for Freddie Woodman fell down.

Discussing his decision to sign a new contract, Travers told Cherries' website: "I was 17 years old when I came here. So, it’s definitely a second home for me in a way.

“It’s a great place to live and there are great people as well, so it’s a no-brainer for me to stay here and continue the journey with this club.

“Hopefully we’ll be very successful over the next five years.

"I love playing at this football club.

“It’s a great honour to sign a new deal and to try and kick on next season in the Premier League.

“We worked so hard last season, it was such a long and hard one that to get rewarded with the promotion means everyone is hungry to get stuck into pre-season.”

Reflecting on his performances in the promotion-winning 2021-22 campaign, Travers said: "Last season was brilliant.

“It was my first real run of games in a full season and that was great to do to get the games under my belt.

“I grew in confidence every game and tried to repay the manager for trusting me and showing faith in me at the start of the season.

“I kept learning every week and tried to push myself as hard as I could, along with the goalkeeping coaches as well.”