FORMER Weymouth loanee Will Dennis described his Cherries debut as a “big moment for me”, writes Tom Crocker.

The goalkeeper was handed his senior bow for the club in the third round of the competition on Saturday, as Cherries came through with a 4-1 win over Oldham Athletic.

Dennis, 20, joined Cherries’ academy in 2016 having been released by Watford and after loan spells away at the Terras, Verwood Town and Guernsey was promoted into the first-team squad in 2019.

And he now has a senior appearance to his name.

“It’s a big moment for me in my career, especially me and my family,” the Hitchin-born youngster told the Daily Echo.

“We’re all delighted and hoping to get another one.

“I found out (about starting) just before the game as we turned up, which is not a bad thing.

“But you’re always prepared and it was a great feeling to get it.

“I was just excited. I’m always excited to play football, it’s what I love.

“I’ve been doing it since I was three or four years old.

“I couldn’t ask for anything else than being out there playing football.”

Cherries had two goalkeepers out on loan at Weymouth in the 2017/18 season.

Ireland international Mark Travers, now on loan at Swindon, had a three-month stay at the Bob Lucas Stadium before returning to Bournemouth.

Dennis then went to the Terras on a youth loan, making 22 appearances.