Spurs international watch: Hard fought point on the road for pair

On Saturday evening, Spurs players Ben Davies, Brennan Johnson, and their Welsh counterparts were in UEFA nations league action away to Turkey, in a crucial game in league B of the competition.

For this game, manager Craig Bellamy opted to start both Davies and Johnson. Davies was deployed as a left centre back in a back four, partnering former Spurs defender Joe Rodon, whilst Johnson started on the right side of Bellamy's 4231 shape.

It was familiar surroundings for both players, playing at Galatasaray's Rams Park ground for the second time in just nine days, a game where both players had also started. Davies received cap number 91 here, whilst it was cap number 32 for Johnson.

Hard fought point on the road for Davies and Johnson's side

Nine minutes in, Johnson was booked for a foul. After 26 minutes, a Wales breakaway lead to Harry Wilson crossing the ball to Johnson at the far post, but the ball had a lot of fizz on it and subsequently he was unable to control it fully, and the chance was gone. That was the best chance Wales had in the opening stages, with an otherwise quiet attacking performance.

Despite an onslaught from the hosts, the two sides went into the half time break goalless. For the second half, Johnson moved up front, as Bellamy introduced right winger Daniel James for striker Mark Harris - who is Dane Scarlett's competition in the Oxford United team.

The second half was similarly uneventful, with Turkey having more possession and territory, with Wales being reduced to counter attacks in the most part, in a hostile home atmosphere throughout.

In the 88th minute, Turkey were awarded a penalty, after a foul from inside the box. However, the penalty from Benfica's hit the outside of the post, and rolled wide. Wales saw it as justice being served, with the awarding of the penalty being very harsh. In the aftermath, Johnson was replaced by Lewis Koumas.

That would be that, and Wales would hold on for a hard earned 0-0 draw on the road. It was a very impressive display from Davies, who recorded; three blocked shots, one interception, three tackles, 70 touches, 5/6 ground duels won, and 2/2 successful dribble attempts. It was a much quieter night for Johnson, but in tough circumstances.

This point leaves Wales in second place in the group, with nine points from five games, two points behind their hosts on the night. With both games between the sides finishing 0-0, the tiebreaker goes to goal difference - where Turkey have a three goal lead. The likelihood is that they will finish second in the group, and face a promotion play-off tie in March.

Next up for Davies, Johnson and Wales is a home clash with Iceland on Tuesday night, with a 19:45 GMT kick off for that one, on the final day of this international break.