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Scott Parker claims Mark Travers ‘epitomises everything’ Bournemouth are

Published 18:34 8 May 2022 BST

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'Mark Travers epitomises everything we are.'

Scott Parker was full of praise for Mark Travers following Bournemouth's final game of the season 1-0 win against Millwall at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. The Leixlip native kept 20 clean sheets in the Championship this season as he won the 'EFL Golden Glove' award. https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1522960446017269763

Scott Parker praises Mark Travers.

Parker claimed the Republic of Ireland international "epitomises everything we are," whilst highlighting Travers' improvement throughout the season. The former Fulham boss said sticking with Travers through the tough times paid off and allowed him to 'improve drastically.' “(Mark Travers) probably epitomises the squad. He probably epitomises everything we are, to be honest with you. Mark Travers in goal at the start of the season, let’s get right, you’re looking at a keeper that looked young," Parker said to Dorset Live. “You looked at times thinking ‘is he is he ready for this?’ But we stuck with him. And more importantly, Mark Travers has worked tirelessly. He took the bumps along the way and improved drastically."

Parker discusses the challenge of the Premier League.

Parker highlighted the challenge of competing in the Premier League with his young squad following the Cherries' second-place finish in the Championship. The 41-year-old pinpointed Irish players Travers and Gavin Kilkenny as youngsters who will add to their experience next season in England's top flight. “The bottom line now is can the players now step up at the next level. Can they produce performances and be a player that can be around the Premier League. And that’s a test for a lot of these players," Parker added. “All of a sudden the players that we know, are going up to the Premier League and going to experience what Mark Travers, Jordan Zemura, Jaidon Anthony, and Gavin Kilkenny have experienced this year. A lot more of the squad are going to experience that next year.”