Bournemouth’s Mark Travers has targeted starting next season as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper — but he could yet go out on loan to gain more first-team experience.
The teenager excelled on his Premier League debut when he kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory over Tottenham, but endured a more difficult afternoon on Sunday when Crystal Palace won 5-3 at Selhurst Park.
There remains uncertainty about Bournemouth’s goalkeeping hierarchy given the inconsistency of Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc, contributing to the 19-year-old Travers being given his chance, and the Irishman hopes that a conversation with Eddie Howe will confirm that further chances will follow.
Travers will planning to speak to Bournemouth’s manager when the first-team squad return for pre-season.
“I’ll do that in the off-season. We’ll have a bit of time off and it’s go from there, really,” Travers said.
“I’ve felt comfortable and confident out on the pitch in the last two Premier League games. It’s something I know I can do. Maybe I’ll get a bit of loan experience; I’ll just have to wait and see.
“But if the manager decides to give me a few more games I’m ready to play. I just want to keep going. I want to play more games.
“I still need to reflect on the season and take from that into the off-season. I need to come in pre-season, give 100 per cent, then it’s down to the manager.”
Sunday’s fixture represented Julian Speroni’s last as a Palace goalkeeper after 15 years at the club.
He was left out despite previous confirmation of his departure, a decision Speroni had contributed to, and he told the club’s official website: “It’s hard to express how I’m feeling right now.
“It’s been 15 years, and the bond that we’ve built with all the fans here is just incredible. I will never forget it. It’s something that will stay with me forever.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but as a whole obviously, playing in important matches. Everyone remembers those important games and those important saves.
“The whole time that I’ve spent at this unbelievable football club is the highlight.”
