Pain in Spain can help Well turn the Page
Defender says Euro blows will still benefit club
MoTheRWeLL have been eliminated from two european competitions and lost all four ties without so much as a goal to show for their efforts.
But it is a campaign manager Stuart McCall believes will prove fruitful in the development of their young players.
And despite the harshness of the lessons learned in both their attempts to reach the Champions League and the europa League, young defender Jonathan Page is convinced the experience will provide longterm benefits for the Lanarkshire club.
however, it is the immediate response to their latest european defeat – 1-0 to La Liga outfit Levante in Spain – which is of most importance to McCall now because he does not want their european exertions used as an excuse when they travel to take on inverness Caley Thistle tomorrow.
“it’s great for the club to be involved in europe and everyone has enjoyed the experience, even although the scorelines were not what we were hoping for,” said Page. “But i don’t think there will be a problem with a comedown at playing Caley Thistle.
“everyone is looking forward to what is a big game. europe is a consequence of doing well in the league, so that is our bread and butter.
“you can’t beat playing in stadiums like that ones the team has been to in Athens and valencia, but it is done now and we have to focus on the league again.”
As one of the players thrown in at the deep end a little in Spain – the 22-year-old was starting his first game of the season against Levante – Page says all the young players who were involved in the matches will take a lot from them.
he said: “i would say it was a great lesson for all the boys. i was lucky to play most of a european qualifier when i was around that age. it was against Flamurtari out in Albania, where we lost 1-0. The experience really helped me.
“i do feel we can have a bit of pride. i can only speak on a personal level and obviously it is disappointing to be out of the competition. But i think the team deserved to get at least a draw out of the second leg with Levante.
“Apparently, Michael higdon’s goal was offside but that would have given us a great boost if it had stood. i knew i was offside at the time but i think i was too far out of the way to be interfering. it just wasn’t to be.”
Page is now hoping he managed to do enough in Spain to keep his place in the team for their trip to inverness.
he added: “i would hope to stay in the team. it maybe wasn’t my best game but it will be up to the gaffer what happens tomorrow.”