Ben's pride

Ben Davies spoke of his pride after being named FA of Wales Young Player of the Year for the second-successive year.

The full-back, 21, lifted the trophy at the FAW Awards night in Cardiff on Sunday.

Ben joined us from Swansea in July and has made six appearances so far as he competes with Danny Rose for the left-back spot.

“It’s a lovely award, I’ve won it two years on the trot now so it’s nice to show that I’ve kept up the good work,” he said.

“It’s great to get that recognition from the members of the FAW and the media as well.”

Ben is with the Welsh squad preparing for a huge home double-header in Euro 2016 qualifying against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday and Cyprus on Monday.

Bosnia reached this summer’s World Cup Finals in Brazil but were shocked by Cyprus in the first round of qualifying matches – the Cypriots winning 2-1 in Bosnia last month.

As for Wales - who beat Andorra away in their opener - it’s all about reaching a first major tournament since the World Cup in 1958.

Ben is positive they can make it to France in 2016. “We’ve probably got the best squad we’ve had in a while, good youngsters coming through as well and it’s the best chance we’ve had for a while,” he said. “We’re determined to do it.”

Below: Ben with his award - photos courtesy of FAW