Euro 2016: Ben Davies 'ready' for Wales despite lack of matches

7 October 2014

Euro 2016 qualifying: Wales v Bosnia-Hercegovina

Venue:Cardiff City StadiumDate:Friday, 10 OctoberKick-off:19:45 BST

Coverage:Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru & online

Ben Davies says his lack of Premier League football this season will not affect his ability to play in Wales' back-to-back Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The 21-year-old full-back has yet to start a top-flight match for Tottenham since his summer move from Swansea.

Wales face Bosnia-Hercegovina on Friday, 10 October and Cyprus three days later in Cardiff.

"I think I'm ready," said Davies, who has started three Europa League matches for Spurs.

"I'm still playing 90 minutes a week and I'm happy with my performances."

Davies came through the ranks at Swansea and made his debut as a 19-year-old in August 2012 when Neil Taylor suffered a long-term injury.

He quickly established himself as first-choice left-back before leaving for White Hart Lane in July.

His only appearance in the Premier League for Mauricio Pochettino's side was as a substitute in the 3-0 home defeat against Liverpool.

Taylor, Davies' main rival for the international left-back berth, has meanwhile started all seven of Swansea's league matches so far.

Davies says their rivalry is good for Wales.

Euro 2016 qualification process
24 teams will play at the finals in France
53 teams will chase 23 places, with the hosts taking the other place
The winners from eight groups of six and one group of five, runners-up and the best third-placed team will reach the finals
The eight remaining third-placed teams will contest two-legged play-offs to determine the last four qualifiers

"It's a better problem for the manager to have than just having one player competing for every place," said Davies.

"Every camp we come into there's competition for places and that's the main thing.

"I've got to come into training this week and work as hard as I can and it's up to the manager on Friday to decide the team."

Wales manager Chris Coleman could decide to pick both Davies and Taylor as he did in his side's opening qualifier away against Andorra.

Taylor gave away a penalty as the minnows took a shock lead in that match, but two Gareth Bale goals saw Wales fight back to win.

Davies hopes Wales can build on those three points gained in their next two matches.

"We are all aware how big these two games are, even as early as they are in the group," said Davies.

"We know as a squad what is set ahead of us and we've got to be up for the challenge."

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