BLUES BOO BOYS WON’T BOTHER CLYNE

NATHANIEL CLYNE insists he is tough and smart enough to handle any stick from Everton fans this afternoon.

Bournemouth’s on-loan Liverpool fullback is expected to make a first Premier League start for the Cherries in their trip to the blue half of Merseyside.

But Clyne, fully recovered from serious back trouble, is adamant the Goodison crowd will be wasting their time giving him a hard time. The defender, 27, 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.”

Eddie Howe’s side will be desperate to stop an alarming slump in form, in which they have lost nine of their last 11 games in all competitions. Yet Clyne, who rejected a loan switch to Cardiff at the 11th hour to join Bournemouth, claims spirits are surprisingly high and upbeat.

Quality

The ex-southampton and Crystal Palace star (right) added: “As soon as I came here, I could see the quality in the team – in the way they train. And their style of play is also very attractive. I guess that’s why a lot of players like to play for them.” Although a forgotten figure for England – with Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-arnold ahead at rightback – he refuses to abandon hope of adding to his 14 caps.

Clyne said: “It does seem a bit overcrowded in there! But there are always eyes watching and you never know, with injuries or players’ form taking a dip, there might be another opportunity.”