NATHAN I AIN’T HEARD BEFORE
NATHANIEL CLYNE insists he is tough and smart enough to handle any stick from Everton fans this afternoon.
Bournemouth’s on-loan Liverpool full-back is expected to make a first Premier League start for the Cherries in their trip to the blue half of Merseyside.
Whether the Toffee faithful target him with a hostile reception today remains to be seen. But Clyne, fully recovered from serious back trouble, is adamant they would be wasting their time.
Dismissing the idea it could have a detrimental impact on his display, the 27-year-old defender said: “I am experienced enough to deal with whatever they give me. I’m really not sure what kind of reception I will get.
“You just try to block it out, it doesn’t really affect the game. You focus on your job. It is soon to be going back there, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity and, hopefully, we can get a result – a Bournemouth win.”
The south-coast club will be desperate to stop their current alarming slump in form. Eddie Howe’s side have lost nine of their last 11 games in all competitions.
But Clyne, who rejected a loan switch to Cardiff at the 11th hour to join the Cherries instead, claims spirits are surprisingly high and upbeat.
The ex-southampton and Crystal Palace star added: “As soon as I came here, I could see the quality in the team – in the way they train.
“After a full week of training, I can see the confidence is flowing throughout the team.
“Bournemouth are now seen an established Premier League club. And their style of play is also very attractive.
“I guess that’s why a lot of players like to play for them.”