RETURNING Chris Mepham was pleased to be part of a “massive” win against Burnley, admitting his spell out of the team had been “mentally really tough”.

Cherries failed to register a win in their opening nine Premier League fixtures of the season, Mepham restricted to just two appearances off the bench during that spell.

But the 25-year-old, who did not even make the matchday squad the previous weekend, was thrown into the starting line-up to take on the Clarets on Saturday.

The Wales international impressed as Cherries came from behind to seal a 2-1 win to move out of the relegation zone.

Mepham, who featured regularly during pre-season, has been behind the likes of Illia Zabarnyi, Lloyd Kelly and Marcos Senesi in the centre-back pecking order this campaign. He also had a brief spell on the sidelines last month due to injury.

However, with Kelly shifting across to the left and Senesi out injured, Mepham was handed his chance alongside Zabarnyi at the weekend.

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Reflecting on the win, the former Brentford man told the Daily Echo: “Everyone is buzzing.

“I think it is probably relief more than anything. To get our first win and psychologically what that can do for us going forward, I think it’s big.

“I thought we deserved it, especially going behind a goal. I think that really tests your mentality and we came through it well.

“A couple of lucky moments, but all in all I thought we deserved the win.”

He added: “The gaffer is big on pressing teams, being intense and getting in their faces.

“You saw that second half where we had them pinned in for long periods and I think ultimately when that happens for so long, it’s difficult for teams to get out.

“Normally you get your rewards and a moment of quality from Phil (Billing) at the end and we got the win.”

Prior to the Burnley clash, speculative reports had suggested boss Andoni Iraola’s time at the club could be nearing an end due to the poor start to the campaign.

Asked what mood had been like amongst the group, Mepham said: “The important thing is to try and block out all the noise.

“We know that listening to that isn’t going to help us.

“We’ve got a job to do and we understand people’s frustration when you’re sat second bottom, but it’s a long season.

“A win (on Saturday) is massive for everyone and I think shows the belief we have got in the group that even when the going gets tough and you’re 1-0 down, you can still bounce back and we’ve done that.”

He continued: “It’s real belief in what we do. It shows that even when we’re on a tough run, we’re still going to play our style of football and the staff and players believe that’s the best way to get results.

“Hopefully we can start that and carry on that momentum now.”

It is not the first time Mepham has had to deal with spells out of the side since joining the club in January 2019.

“There’s no denying it’s tough,” said the Harrow-born defender.

“It’s mentally really tough when you’re sat in the stand one week and the following week you’re starting in a game like this, with the importance on it.

“But I like to think I’m experienced enough now to know to stay fit, stay mentally ready and I think that’s the important thing.

“Because when you do get thrown in, which I like to think I will, then you’re in a good place and you’ll be better for it. But it is tough.”

Asked if Iraola had explained to him why he had been left out, Mepham added: “Zaba obviously started the season.

“Naturally you probably want to keep a partnership going.

“It’s taken a fair few games for me to get the opportunity. It’s probably a question for him as opposed to me.

“But the importance is staying ready, mentally staying fresh and staying focused on when you will get the opportunity.”