AFC Bournemouth
Good things come to those who wait.
Jack Stephens has had to be patient since arriving at AFC Bournemouth on transfer deadline day in September, being limited to two brief Premier League substitute appearances.
However, he was rewarded with a start in this week’s Carabao Cup action and is now banging on the door for a spot in Gary O’Neil’s XI for this weekend’s Premier League game.
With Chris Mepham suspended for the final league game before the World Cup break, there’s a place in the team up for grabs.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, Stephens said: “When opportunities come, it’s down to me to perform and show why I deserve to play, hopefully I’ve done that tonight and it gives me an opportunity to play on Saturday.
“I’ve been here a couple of months now and had to wait patiently for my chance, so I just wanted to enjoy it and show what I can do. I really enjoyed the occasion and hopefully there’s many more to come.”
Stephens has made 124 appearances in the Premier League and states that he’s keen to pass on his experiences to the likes of Mepham and Marcos Senesi, who have impressed in defence this season.
“Chris and Marcos have been brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Since I came in, they’ve been putting in some really good performances.
“I’ve been in football for a long time so I know how these things work, you have to be patient and I’m pleased they’ve done well and my opportunity came tonight.
“I’ve played a number of games at this level, so I’ve just tried to help Chris, who has obviously played at this level, and Marcos, who is new to this country and the league. It’s a slightly different role but I’ve hopefully helped!
“I’ve got to admit, I’m absolutely loving my time at the club. The boys have been great, as well as the staff. I’ve not had to come very far but it’s still a new club, new surroundings and it can be difficult to settle but credit to everyone at this club, they’ve made it really easy for me.”
The Cherries take on Everton on Saturday, having beaten them in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.
Jamal Lowe opened the scoring before Junior Stanislas extended the lead for the home side.
Demarai Gray pulled one back for Everton but goals by Emiliano Marcondes and Jaidon Anthony confirmed safe passage into the fourth round.
Stephens admitted the squad were delighted to see out the win, having conceded a two-goal lead in the Premier League games with Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.
He said: “It's almost the perfect scenario for us, we’ve been talking a lot about the last two games and how disappointed we were to lose the games having been in the lead, but that’s what happens in this league.
“We stuck together out there, we stuck to what we wanted to do, we kept playing, kept moving the ball and created chances and thankfully the boys stuck them away.”
Only one point and one position separates the Cherries and Everton in the Premier League table and Stephens knows to expect a response from the visitors on Saturday.
“We’ll prepare for Saturday knowing that whatever team they bring will be a difficult test but we’re confident of getting a result.
“It's strange to play them twice in quick succession but it always seems to work out this way! It’s happened to me a couple of times in my career where you’re drawn against the team you’re due to play on the Saturday.
“I imagine it’s difficult for them to play both games away but we’ve done the first bit tonight and hopefully can have the same result on Saturday.”
