ANDONI Iraola insists Chris Mepham has been “super professional”, despite a continued lack of game-time.

Cherries let a number of players leave during the recent transfer window as they sought more regular match minutes, including the likes of David Brooks, Kieffer Moore and Joe Rothwell.

But Mepham, despite being open to a move away, was kept at Cherries, where he continues to act as cover for first choice centre-back pairing Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi.

The 26-year-old, under contract until the summer of 2025, has made just nine club appearances this season. He has started only three league fixtures, named as an unused substitute most weeks.

Discussing the Wales international, prior to Cherries’ loss at Fulham on Saturday, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It is not easy for Mepham in this case.

“He has some players right now in front of him that are performing really well.

“I think defensively we have been really, really good. We haven’t been conceding almost anything.

“But he is super professional.

“He trains really well and whenever we need him, I know that he will be ready.

“It is not an easy situation now for sure, but I am sure he will not leave the others to rest.

“I think he will be demanding with his teammates and that is something which is very good for me and the team.”