I’M FAR MOORE WISE NOW ADMITS PAGE

ROB PAGE admitted he learned a lesson after Wales salvaged a point in their World

Cup opener and said he is ready to make changes against Iran.

Manager Page acknowledged it was a mistake not starting striker Kieffer Moore in the 1-1 draw with the USA on Monday, when an 82nd-minute Gareth Bale penalty earned Wales a point. Bournemouth striker Moore is set to begin Friday’s second Group B game against Iran, which Wales must win to give themselves a real chance of making the last 16.

“Lessons have been learned from this,” said Page (above, with Neco Williams). “Kieffer came on and made an impact. I started with Dan James because I thought with his pace he could get either side of the two centre-backs but, because we couldn’t get up the pitch to play those passes, he wasn’t as effective as I’d have liked. We had to get Kieffer on to get us up the pitch and he made a massive difference.

“The good thing now is that, when you look to the bench, we’ve got Brennan Johnson, who plays in the Premier League, as someone who can come on and make an impact.

“We’ve got strength in depth. We’ve got players who can come on and have a real impact on the game.”

Page acknowledged that England, who Wales face on Tuesday, are the favourites to win Group B after their 6-2 opening victory over Iran.

But after his side fought back to claim a point in their first match, Page said the battle for second is wide open and said he expects a few surprises before the group is done.

“They look good, England. They’re the favourites to go on and win the group,” Page said.

“USA are second favourites but there’ll be a few surprises along the way and we’ve just got to plan now for a tough game against Iran on Friday and see where

that takes us.”