Price back on the bench

LEWIS Price returns to the bench for today's clash with Plymouth Argyle but comforted by the knowledge his next big game will be an international encounter.

The 20-year-old accepts he is behind Kelvin Davis in the pecking order but hopes the occasional outing for club and country will soon secure him a loan move.

The Blues have made it clear Price is available on a temporary basis but as yet nothing has transpired.

A frustrated Price admitted: “I would like to go out on loan to get more experience which I need as I know I need to be playing first team football on a regular basis, but as yet I have heard nothing.

“It is a case of being patient and waiting t see what comes up.”

Price was given a rare outing at Doncaster but it all went wrong as Town stumbled to a 2-0 defeat.

The young keeper admitted: “It would have been nice to keep another clean sheet. It would have been good to win then maybe I would have had a chance to play a few more games.

“The difficult thing for me is while the others have another game quickly to get things out of the system I know I will be on the bench.

“That is the way things are and I have to live with it.”

Although it is unlikely Price will be needed against Plymouth today, the Bournemouth-born stopper is confident Town will bounce back from Tuesday's disappointment to see off the newly-promoted side.

He added: “We have a great home record and are very strong at Portman Road. Plymouth are a decent team and work hard with some quality players but I fancy us to win.”

Reserve games aside, Price is also looking forward to playing for Wales against England and Poland next month in the European Championship and extending his run of international clean sheets with Town team-mate Darren Bent looking to wreck his record.

Price said: “The banter is getting even more intense. I train with him every day so I'm hoping that will give me some idea of how to stop him.

“Really, I'm hoping and praying he has an off night because whether he starts or comes off the bench he is a danger.”

Price is hoping he won't have to face a penalty but if he does, Bent may have second thoughts about taking it.

The keeper said: “I'm 1-0 up in training. He took one the other day and I saved it so I have the psychological edge if they get one in the next game.

“Whatever happens though we are great mates and will be after the game.”

Club rivalry aside, Wales are in a good position to qualify, as are England so the game has added importance.

Price said: “We are doing well and there is a lot to play for. We have a decent team and believe we can do well.

“We don't have the same strength in depth as England, who have a lot of Premiership players in their squad.

“It is important for us and if we can get something out of it then that will help us in the qualifiers.”

Quite clearly if Price continues to do well his wait for a loan spell somewhere will soon be over.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk