I’m itching for home call: Page

Jan 29 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ROB PAGE is relishing the prospect of a home Town debut against Bournemouth tonight (7.45).

And the 33-year-old centre-back is keen to show supporters he’s just as willing to battle in League I as in the FA Cup.

Former Wales star Page, who made an impressive club bow in Saturday’s 1-0 fourth-round triumph at Oldham, said: “I can’t wait for the game.

“The backing at Oldham was magnificent, and we all want to show the fans that we’re ready to battle in every match we play.

“The great thing about this team is that we like to get the ball down and play football, but you have to earn the right to do that by doing the nitty-gritty stuff.

“We certainly did that over at Oldham, and we have to reproduce that approach against Bournemouth, who are fighting for their lives.”

Sheffield-based Page, who signed from Coventry a week ago, is chasing a fourth win in as many first-team outings this season.

The man whose only Sky Blues appearances this season were in Carling Cup victories over Notts County and Carlisle added: “It’s just great to be playing.

“I’m grateful to Andy Ritchie and the club for giving me this opportunity, and while we mutually agreed it would be to the end of the season in the first instance, I’d love to stay on.

“The rest of the players here have been different class. They’re a great bunch who have made it very easy for me to settle in.”

Bournemouth, who haven’t beaten Town in 14 meetings, are chasing a third successive win after climbing to third-from-bottom with Saturday’s 3-1 success at Port Vale.

Town, five places and five points further up the table, badly need to record a first win in six league games.