Cardiff City Stadium

Next Game

Wales v Rep Ireland

Wednesday, 14 August 2013, 19:45

International Match

Millennium Stadium

Last Game

Wales 1 - 2 Croatia

Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 19:45

World Cup Euro Qual Group A

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

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Hammers 'agree' Carroll deal

West Ham have reportedly agreed a fee with Liverpool to sign striker Andy Carroll on a permanent basis.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Transfer news: West Ham sign Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved