Crisp on injury return, loan switch and under-18s run-in

Having picked up a wrist injury early in the season, the goalkeeper spent around a quarter of the term sidelined.

While returning to full fitness is undoubtedly a physical battle, Crisp also had to exercise some mental toughness throughout the process.

“It was so taxing mentally because when I was out, I was thinking about if it was ever going to get back to how it was,” he said.

“I was such a confident ‘keeper and I wanted to get back to that; it took a long time to do that.

“Now, I feel the best that I can be, which is great, and I don’t worry about it. I’ve had three or four months training on it with no problems.

“The loan’s helped it because in men’s football they hit you hard and I haven’t had any problems with it.”

That loan was spent with Bournemouth FC, or the Poppies, working under former under-18 captain Lewis Brown’s dad, Phil.

Experiencing men’s football at a young age is something which the goalkeeper now feels has been invaluable to his progression and return to fitness.

“It’s been really good,” Crisp explained. “I feel like I got the best out of it after coming back from a wrist injury, which was a hard time for me.

“Coming back, I’ve experienced men’s football and that’s been completely different to what I’ve experienced in the academy.

“That’s been a good change and has brought a lot of good things into my game.”

He added on swapping working with Lewis Brown for Phil Brown: “Yeah, it was a bit strange! But I spoke to Phil before my loan, and he was perfect for me.”

Having now returned to the club, three Merit League One fixtures remain for Dan Carroll’s under-18 side.

Yet to make his first appearance for the team this season, Crisp is keen to make his mark should the opportunity present itself.

He said: “I’m just hoping that we can put some wins together and keep as many clean sheets as possible.

“These will, hopefully, be my first games for the under-18s this season due to my injury.

“I’ve just got to keep working hard and make sure that I’m ready to take my moment when it comes.”

Next time out the young Cherries take on Sutton United at Canford Park Arena in an 11am kick-off on Saturday 22^nd April.