CUSTODIAN Mark Travers will not be resting on his laurels after signing a new deal at the Vitality Stadium – insisting that “if you get happy with that and satisfied, you’d be left behind”.

A breakthrough season where the Irishman established himself as first-choice under Scott Parker saw Travers rewarded with a new five-year deal at the end of June, tying the goalkeeper down to Cherries until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Whilst Parker informed the Daily Echo that another goalkeeper will trial with Cherries this week following Jonas Lossl’s inclusion in the training camp squad in Portugal, it is believed that Travers will continue as number one next term.

Despite being evidently pleased by his new deal, Travers remains level-headed and aware of the hard work required to compete in the Premier League.

The Maynooth-born ‘keeper told the Daily Echo; “It's great to be in this position so early in my career, I’m just so looking forward to it and excited for the challenge ahead.

“I mean it's always nice to sign a new long-term contract with the club - that's always great individually, but I think if you get happy with that and satisfied, you'd be left behind.

“So I’ve got to come in every day and push as hard as I can and train like I don't have that deal, in a way.

“It's a good opportunity for me to get out on the pitch and play football and enjoy it, definitely.”

Given a Premier League debut under Eddie Howe against Tottenham Hotspur in April, 2019, Travers has a total of three appearances in the English top-flight.

After Howe’s departure and Cherries’ relegation to the Championship, Travers had to continue to bide his time, taking the chance to cement his position in the first-team following the departure of Asmir Begovic ahead of last term.

Although Cherries eventually brought in long-term target Freddie Woodman in January following an unsuccessful pursuit last summer, Travers’ performances ensured he was undroppable.

The 23-year-old admitted that a return to Premier League football potentially arrived quicker than he had previously thought.

“It's definitely an unbelievable position to be in,” mentioned Travers.

“Obviously last year my goal was getting into the team and try and play as much as I can and that's what I could do last year.

“So I just have to take in my stride.

"After we got relegated a few years ago it was always a goal of mine to get back to the Premier League as quick as possible and probably come a lot quicker than I thought.”