AFC Bournemouth
Cameron Plain has discussed his contribution in yesterday’s friendly defeat to a Wycombe Wanderers XI at Adams Park.
Despite a 4-1 scoreline, the ‘keeper pulled off a string of fine saves, with manager Shaun Cooper highlighting his performance to afcb.co.uk after the game.
Plain, who is just 17, discussed his role in the match and the lessons that can be learned from playing such experienced opposition.
“It’s always nice that you can go into a game and affect it positively doing what you’re doing,” he began.
“I think the scoreline didn’t really reflect how we played in the second half. I think we gave away two goals too easily towards the end, but I think the lads really did perform well.
“Obviously, for all the lads, that’s where we want to end up. We want to play in a first team and we want to do well, so to go out there and keep some of those lads out, who are doing it week-in week-out, is a good confidence booster.
“It’s always nice to come out and play on nice pitches like this, there’s no real excuses when you’re playing on a surface like that.”
Plain went on to discuss the value in playing against senior teams and how it can be beneficial for youngsters like himself.
“I think you can definitely notice the difference between playing against men’s teams compared to the youth games.
“I think that’s the case with any level of under-18 or under-21 games.
“You can notice it a lot, especially playing against players from a first team in the Championship but it’s all good experience.”
It’s not just on the pitch where the shot-stopper is learning, as Plain cited his teammates and the goalkeeping department as crucial to his development.
“I think we’ve got a really good goalkeeping department here,” he continued.
“You can chat to any of them about anything no matter what. I think even with Asmir [Begovic], who is starting in the matches, you feel like you can chat to him too.
“The department is really close even with the changes that we’ve had throughout the start to the season.
“It’s been more difficult to train with the first team than last year because of the restrictions and the bubbles.
“But that’s where I’m looking to get to this season, that’s where I want to be each day and at the moment it’s going well.”
I thought Cameron made some excellent saves and there were some great stops from him.
