Ben happy with defensive showing

Ben Davies went from the training ground to the real thing in the Premier League against Welsh team-mate Sam Vokes – and delivered a faultless display at centre-back in our goalless draw at Burnley.

The full-back spent last week training with Vokes as Wales celebrated a big Euro 2016 qualifying win in Israel but was pitched in against him in a central defensive role just two minutes into the second half following an injury to Kyle Walker at Turf Moor.

Ben slotted in seamlessly alongside Eric Dier with Vlad Chiriches switching to right-back as our defensive unit kept dangermen Vokes and Danny Ings at bay.

In a game of few clear-cut opportunities, we also failed to seriously test home goalkeeper Tom Heaton – Christian Eriksen drilled our best chance just over in the second half.

“It was a tough test against a big man in Sam Vokes and Danny Ings, one of the top strikers in the Premier League this season, so it was a real challenge,” reflected Ben.

“I was training against Sam pretty much every day last week so I kind of know how he plays, but it’s completely different in a game scenario and you have to match whatever you come up against.

“As defenders our job is to defend the goal and we didn’t concede, so we’re happy with that.

“We didn’t create anything clear-cut, so that was a disappointment, but I see it as a point gained rather than going away with nothing.”