No Welcome In The Hillsides For Earnshaw

Robert Earnshaw might have been born in Zimbabwe, but since the age of five he's lived in Wales and as such he now calls it home. Tomorrow he plays against Swansea for the first time, but a welcome return to his homeland may be a bit much to hope for.

Because Little Earn played for the Swans fiercest rivals Cardiff City, the Swansea faithful wont exactly be welcoming him back as a long lost Son. He can expect a frosty reception as he heads out onto the Liberty Stadium pitch and thankfully it will come as no surprise to him.

Earnshaw told the BBC. 'If I don't get a lot of stick I will be shocked, I've never played a club game at Swansea but I'm looking forward to it - I'm ready for any stick.'

That's good to hear, because he's going to get it. Earnshaw will be big enough and experienced enough to cope and he has one added incentive to do well in the game.

He's just won back his place in the national side and will be hoping to put in a decent display tomorrow, as Welsh boss John Toshack will be looking on. He might not get the welcome he deserves, but he will be loved for ever in Nottingham if he bags the winner for the Reds. Just in case there are any Swans fans reading, you might want to refresh your memories of this little ditty.

All together now!

We'll keep a welcome in the hillsides,

We'll keep a welcome in the vales,

This land you knew will still be singing

When you come home again to Wales.

This land of song will keep a welcome,

And with a love that never fails,

We'll kiss away each hour of Hiraeth

When you come home again to Wales.

Well kiss away each hour of Hiraeth

When you come home again to Wales.

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