MARK Travers has completed a season-long loan switch to join Stoke City.

The goalkeeper, who penned a five-year contract last summer, was desperate to play regular football this term.

And Cherries have facilitated the move, allowing the Irishman to leave on a temporary basis, to join the Championship Potters.

This is Travers’s third loan spell away from Cherries, since joining the club in 2017.

He previously had spells at Weymouth and Swindon Town, prior to his standout season at Cherries, missing just one league game in 2021-22.

The Republic of Ireland international won a host of individual honours after that campaign, including the Championship golden glove, as well as signing his new contract.

But Travers lost his position in the team early last season to Neto, and was restricted to just 15 appearances across league and cup.

That takes his overall total for Cherries to 70 appearances, the Maynooth-born talent keeping 26 clean sheets.

Travers follows Ben Pearson in leaving Cherries for Stoke this summer, the latter heading off on a permanent deal.

Travers’s close friend Gavin Kilkenny spent part of last season out on loan at Stoke.

Discussing his decision to join the Potters, Travers told the club's website: "This is a great opportunity to test myself in the Championship again and I am pleased to have had the interest from Stoke City.

“It is a chance for me to play for a great manager at a really exciting time for the Club, especially with the new signings that are arriving.

“I have heard good things about the Club from players here now – including Ben Pearson and Enda Stevens - and others who have played here before.

“I feel like this is an exciting project and the next step in my career.

“The season is only just around the corner and I cannot wait to get going.”

Stoke's technical director Ricky Martin added: "For a goalkeeper of his age to have already achieved what he has in the game is rare and remarkable.

“He has featured in international football, played in the Premier League and – perhaps most importantly – was a standout performer when Bournemouth got promoted a couple of seasons ago.

“There was of course a keen interest in Mark from other clubs, so we’re delighted that he’s chosen to come to Stoke City.”

Alex Neil’s side get their Championship campaign underway at the bet365 Stadium against Rotherham United on August 5.