INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil detailed his goalkeeping dilemma – praising Mark Travers for his professionalism since dropping out the team whilst applauding the “big voice” Neto has brought to Cherries since his summer arrival from Barcelona.

After taking temporary charge of Cherries, O’Neil’s first big decision was to drop Irish international Travers following the 9-0 defeat away at Liverpool. Whilst the Maynooth-born goalkeeper was not to blame for the heavy scoreline, it was thought that taking the shot-stopper out of the firing line would be best, paving the way for the more experienced Neto to become O’Neil’s number one.

Veteran goalkeeper Neto, who has played for European giants Juventus and Barcelona, has since started every game under O’Neil.

After a few shaky moments in his first games, including a heart-in-mouth moment at the end of the Nottingham Forest game where he made a meal of a cross into the box, Neto came into his own with a strong performance away at Newcastle United last weekend.

However, it is the Brazilian’s impact off the field that has struck O’Neil the most.

Reflecting on what Neto has brought to Cherries since his arrival, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I think he brings, a leadership, a big voice in the dressing room.

“He was, in my opinion, a big part of our response to the tough spell that we went through.

“Absolutely nothing against Mark. He has always worked extremely hard and has been extremely professional since we decided to change the goalkeeper.

“And now I'm really fortunate to have two really good ones.

“Fantastic goalkeepers, and I would trust both of them, in fact, to put them in.”

Expanding on Neto’s off the field qualities, former Bolton man O’Neil added: “He’s a real good guy, great around the lads, good in the dressing room.

“You can always hear him on the pitch, training pitch, match pitch, you can always hear him. So he's big for us.”