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Rob knows dream is within reach
ROB PAGE will be keeping close contact with Wales players throughout the winter as the country prepares for its day of destiny in the World Cup play-offs.
The interim boss is leaving no stone unturned ahead of their showdown with Austria next March and intends to visit each of his squad to ram home the importance of staying in shape.
Wales haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 1958 and the Austrians – and potentially Scotland – stand in their way of ending that wait.
Page says that keeping abreast of any fitness issues will be vital. He said: “I will be visiting the players and speaking to them constantly, particularly with regard to their fitness. I’ll be keeping my finger on the pulse.
“Our head physio Sean Connelly will be doing the same – making sure people are fighting fit and raring to go.
“We can’t control injuries, but we will definitely be speaking to them.
Dreamed
“It’s what we dreamed of as young boys. Growing up I always wanted to be part of World Cup qualification and a World Cup. We’re two wins away from it.”
World Cup qualification remains the holy grail, but Wales have qualified for the past two European Championships – reaching the semi-final five years ago under Chris Coleman – and Page believes that has played a crucial part in getting them to the play-offs. “In 2016, Chris would be the first one to admit we over-achieved,” he added.
“With that, comes raised expectations.
“The plan is to qualify for major tournaments. We have done that twice in the Euros. It breeds success and you grow in confidence.
“It’s important we keep building. We have gone from Group B to Group A in the Nations League and we have a young group – they were the third-youngest average age in the European Championship. They are getting better.
“That will help us achieve our goal of continuing to qualify over the next few years. It just happens to be that the World Cup is first up.
“We’ll be giving it everything to make sure we finish the job and get to the finals.”