THEY say the goalkeepers’ union provides a special bond for shot-stoppers, but for Asmir Begovic the position is in his blood.

The Cherries star followed in the footsteps of father Amir when he donned the gloves after his family had fled war-torn Bosnia.

His father coached him during his time in Germany as a youngster, legendary Bayern Munich stopper Oliver Kahn becoming his idol.

Begovic then moved across the Atlantic and played for Canada at youth level before switching back to represent the country of his birth in the senior ranks.

The 30-year-old signed for Portsmouth as a teenager and was loaned to Cherries, where he made nine appearances in all competitions before returning almost a decade later from Chelsea in a £10million move.

Now, the next member of the family aiming to make an impact between the sticks is progressing through the youth ranks at Bristol City.

Denis Begovic, the younger brother of Asmir, joined the Ashton Gate outfit from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim on a free transfer.

Born in Edmonton, the 18-year-old recently spent time on loan at Southern League outfit Farnborough as he continued his quest to make it in the professional game.

Asmir told the Daily Echo: “It’s a family thing. My dad was a goalkeeper, I wanted to be goalkeeper and he made that decision as well.

“I sort of look after Denis and help make things happen.

“He is a second-year scholar at Bristol City. He has done well in the under-18s, is a big boy and his next progression is to be around men’s football and play against men.

“My opportunities came when I was 18 or 19 and went on loan. He has just turned 18 and to be in a men’s football environment is important for him.

“Denis is still very young and very raw but he has a good mindset and a really good attitude and, hopefully, he can have a bit of luck along the way to make a career out of the game.

“He is going to have a lot of wisdom and we will be his biggest critics, that is the way it is but he is working hard and we wish him all the best.

“I think he can make a living out of the game and that’s the bottom line. With a bit of luck he could go all the way.

“His dream is to be a professional footballer and, if he can achieve that, he will be happy. Hopefully, on the way he will develop really well and will have more big opportunities.”

Cherries boss Eddie Howe insisted the older Begovic brother would bounce back following his uncharacteristic lapses against Newcastle last time out.

The former Stoke City man was partly to blame for both Dwight Gayle goals as the visitors went 2-0 ahead in the 2-2 draw at Vitality Stadium.

Having admitted life could be tricky for keepers at times, Asmir revealed Denis could have ended up playing at the other end of the field.

“There’s a bit of me who wishes Denis wasn’t a goalkeeper sometimes,” said Asmir.

“But, at the same time, it’s good to see him develop and progress.

“He started off as a striker but made the decision that he wanted to be like his dad and brother.

“It can be difficult for goalkeepers sometimes. I think he maybe could have been a good target man but he is learning his trade.”

While his family is extremely proud of its goalkeeping tradition, it is not just Asmir who believes a different role for his younger sibling may have been a more calming option.

“My mother didn’t want another goalkeeper,” he added.

“She said it was too much laundry and too much heartache! It’s difficult to watch goalkeepers play but she is happy as long as Denis is happy.”