Coleman hails Davies breakthrough

Wales manager Chris Coleman has hailed the breakthrough made by Swansea left-back Ben Davies.

Last Updated: 04/02/13 at 14:12 Post Comment   

Ben Davies: Set to win his third cap

Ben Davies: Set to win his third cap

Davies, 19, had been expecting to be part of the Swans' Under-21 squad this season, but he seized his chance after Taylor suffered a broken leg in September.

Taylor had made the left-back slot his own for club and country, but Davies has shown remarkable maturity and composure for one so young and has made the step up to Premier League and international level with little difficulty.

The teenager is set to win his third cap when Austria visit the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday, and Coleman has been amazed by the progress Davies has made in such a short time.

"Ben has done well, he's only 19," said the former Fulham and Coventry boss.

"Sometimes you get opportunities, sometimes you don't take them and sometimes you grab them with both hands and that's what Ben has done.

"He's grown in stature and confidence. Offensively he's getting better and better and he's got a great mentality and attitude to football and he's really done brilliantly."

Taylor, 23, could be forgiven for wondering how he will win his place back after watching his young protege make such an impression as he battles back to fitness.

But Coleman has made it clear the former Wrexham player's contribution has not been forgotten.

He said: "Neil has to get fit. He's worked tremendously hard, and I have had constant conversations with him because I know what it's like to be out for a long time and it's really hard.

"He just has to get fit and he can worry about where he's going to play after that.

"We shouldn't have an attitude of the King is dead, long live the King, because we must remember Neil Taylor is a quality player and he's shown that.

"Ben will know he's in good company when Neil gets fit, but all Neil has to focus on is getting himself ready and getting back.

"If he gets back before the end of the season then he's done well because it was a nasty injury."

Coleman has been forced to make one change from his initial squad selection following the weekend's club action.

Crystal Palace keeper Lewis Price is a withdrawal, so Jason Brown, without a club since recently leaving Aberdeen, is called up in his place.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved