TIME TO TRY AGAIN FOR GLORY
Page: We need to move on from the Bale era & create band of exciting new Welsh wizards
BY
ROB PAGE has urged Wales to step out of the shadows of the Gareth Bale era and create their own history tonight.
As Wales bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time without the former Spurs and Real Madrid star, the nation’s head coach was in bullish mood.
Success over the next six days will see the Welsh qualify for a fourth tournament in eight years but it will be a landmark achievement to do it without their greatest player (right).
Page set the stage for the play-off against Finland tonight by claiming he was “spoilt for choice” in forward areas and confirmed Aaron Ramsey’s fitness.
He said that the current Welsh crop had enough to pass the test in Cardiff and overcome the final hurdle against Poland or Estonia next week.
Page said: “Yes, we’ve lost one of the world’s best players in Gareth but there’s been enough in the squad to still put us two wins away from qualifying for a fourth time. Gareth’s stature has been missed but it gives others, the Harry Wilsons of this world, an opportunity. Harry was a bit-part player a couple of years ago when Gareth was at his best – now he’s made a play to be in a starting position.
“We’ve got others who are relishing that challenge and about to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“We’re in a good place. We have enough to get us through.”
After a tricky qualifying campaign, Page has his front players performing regularly at club level, which hasn’t always been the case. He said: “Most of the squad are playing football at club level.
“We’re spoilt for choice at the top of the pitch at this time. It’s a very good problem to have.
“And people like Aaron, he might not have the legs he had five years ago but his footballing brain, his intelligence, and his ability haven’t faded at all.
“To have someone of his quality involved in the squad is great. He’s a calming influence around the squad and his experience will be invaluable.”
Page aimed a barb at Cardiff City manager Erol
Bulut, who claimed after the south Wales derby last weekend that he was surprised Ramsey would be available to play for his country this week.
The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder, who joined Cardiff last summer, has been struggling to shake off a calf niggle.
Page said: “We’re in constant communication with Cardiff. I don’t need a conversation with the manager. There’s never been a problem. I don’t know what the fuss is about. We just want the player fit - both for Cardiff and ourselves.”
WALES: (3-4-3) Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, James J, Williams; Johnson, Wilson, Moore
FINLAND: (4-3-3) Hradecky; Soiri, Hoskonen, Jensen, Uronen; Kamara, Schuller, Jensen; Lod, Pukki,
Pohjanpalo