ROB’S BOYS LOOKING FAR FROM FAN-TASTIC
WALES’ 6,500 fans may have been grateful to return – but they must hope their side are much better than this at the Euros. The Dragons extended their record unbeaten home run to 13 games at the Cardiff
City Stadium against Albania.
But with a week to go until their Group A opener against Switzerland in Baku, boss Rob Page will surely have wished for better than this.
It took until the 73rd minute for either team to have a shot on target as Page used the chance to get minutes into recent injury-hit stars like Ben Davies,aaron Ramsey and David Brooks.
It meant guaranteed starters such as Gareth Bale, Dan James and Joe Rodon
Wales .......................... 0 Albania ........................ 0 dropped to the bench to accommodate them.
Wales were bang average without their main men in the first half, as a repeat of their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016 looked remote.
Bale and Rodon were both introduced in the second half but it was actually the arrival of targetman Kieffer Moore who improved them most.
The Cardiff ace was a catalyst for the Dragons in qualifying under Ryan Giggs but has started just twice in eight games since Page took charge in November.
Now Page will have a huge decision to make this week when his side fly out on Monday to Baku over whether to promote Moore.
The friendly ended up with seven players going in the book in a feisty tussle.
Andwales and Page – in charge since Giggs’ arrest – must now deliver fireworks on the pitch at the Euros instead.
Stand-in captain Davies said: “There is a lot to work on but no injuries is the most important thing. It was a proper game.”
Albania should have taken the lead in the 17th minute when Rey Manaj robbed
Chris Mepham but the striker’s shot over the bar was a poor effort.
Bournemouth wideman Brooks delivered a cross from the left which Ramsey flicked over at the near post before the break – but that was as good as it got for the home side.
They will need to improve if they are to make more magic in the tournament.