Davies eager to make home debut

Ben Davies is counting down the hours to his first Spurs match at White Hart Lane.

Our new left-back has played at our world-famous stadium twice before in Swansea City colours.

But today’s pre-season friendly against German side Schalke, our final warm-up match ahead of next weekend’s Premier League curtain-raiser at West Ham, represents the first chance for the young Welshman to run out at our north London base and call it home.

“I can’t wait for kick-off today,” said Ben, who has appeared in our summer victories against Toronto FC, Chicago Fire and Celtic following his switch from the Swans last month.

“This game is the thing I’ve been looking forward to the most this week and it’s going to be a big chance to show the home fans what I can do, so I’m really excited.

“I don’t know too much about Schalke to be honest but I’ve seen them play occasionally in the Champions League and I know it’ll be a good challenge.

“Obviously we’re building up to the opening day of the Premier League next week and our match at West Ham. It’s going to be a tough one there, but hopefully we’ll start the season with a win and that will set us in good stead for the rest of the campaign.”

Read the rest of this interview in today’s official matchday programme – on sale from various points around the stadium and from the Spurs Megastore, priced at £3.50.