CHRIS Mepham is all business when it comes to Cherries taking on Leicester on Saturday, with the defender fully focused on the task at hand despite coming up against international teammate Danny Ward.

Leicester goalkeeper Ward and Mepham have shared a pitch 17 times for Wales, with both players frequent members of international squads since 2018.

After the departure of captain Kasper Schmeichel this summer, Ward has stepped up to become first choice goalkeeper, paving the way for the first time the pair will have faced each other as opponents.

When asked if he would be making conversation prior to the game, the centre-back shared: “I think you're constantly playing teams where there's players that you know.

“An example, there were lads that I played with at Brentford, and you kind of need to put that to one side and speak to them after the game.

“But in the build up to it, and whilst you're out there it’s business, and that’s that.

“I’m sure we’ll have a laugh and a joke after the game, but up until then it’s staying professional.”

One reason why Mepham might be in contact with Welsh teammates is the prospect of swapping stickers to complete the official World Cup album by Panini.

When asked if he was taking part in the cult tradition surrounding international tournaments, Mepham responded: “No, it's too time consuming for me, to be honest.

“I know a few of the lads are keen, but I'm not one that's massively into it.

“Hopefully I'm on that flight to Qatar and when I'm on that flight, I'll really be looking forward to it.

“There's a lot of games between now and then, and that needs to be the focus for me.

"Keep fit, keep putting in performances and hopefully it puts me in a really good position coming into the World Cup.”