PAGE BOYS ON THE UP
Dragons’ chances hot despite draw
A BEAMING Rob Page spoke of his pride after Wales kept their World Cup hopes alive ahead of the crucial away tie against Estonia tomorrow.
Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Dan James in Prague against the Czech Republic on Friday ensured the Dragons stay third in Group E.
Though Page was disappointed at his side’s failure to take the three points the performance merited, he could see positives to build on in Tallinn.
Ready
“It’s a big game on Monday and we will be fully prepared and ready for it,” said the Wales interim boss.
“It shows how far we’ve come that we’ve dominated a game away to the Czechs, created enough chances to score three or four goals, and we’re disappointed that we’re coming away with a draw. It’s not the result we wanted but it’s the performance that we’re after and, if we continue to perform like that camp after camp, we’ll win more games than we lose.
“Second spot is still on but we’ve got three games left, the Czech Republic have two; it’s in our hands.”
Wales would have claimed a deserved win in the Czech capital if not for an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Danny Ward. The Leicester City man paid the price for a second-half momentary lapse in concentration when he allowed a Ramsey backpass to roll over his foot and into the back of the net.
But he got immediate support from the travelling fans who sang his name at full-time, and has also been backed by the manager.
Bounce
“I thought it was a really nice touch from the supporters,” Page added. “The lads are rallying around him and, knowing him as a character, he’ll bounce back. “Danny’s been excellent since he’s been involved. That happens unfortunately. We know him, he’s strong-minded and he’ll come back from that, no problems at all.”
Having missed the last round of internationals with injury, goalscorer Ramsey marked his return with a standout performance.
Page added: “I thought he was outstanding. He’s just an absolute pleasure to watch when he’s in that form. It’s just a crying shame he’s not playing week in, week out.”