HILL RISES TO DREAM CHALLENGE

Old school tackler James relishing journey from Fleetwood to Prem

- BY STEVE JUDGE

JAMES HILL laughed off any suggestion that players in the modern game have forgotten how to tackle.

The likes of Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher have lamented the lack of physical confrontation in certain games this season.

But Bournemouth centre-half Hill said: “I don't know why people think that.

“I tackle the same as the olden days. The game is all about winning the individual battles”

There is little chance of the son of former Bristol City and Preston defender Matt Hill avoiding a battle.

All of his career has been one long fight to get to the top. And one that will not stop until he hangs up his boots.

After being overlooked by Blackpool and Bolton, Hill took his chance with Fleetwood before joining the Cherries just five days before his 20th birthday in the 2022 January transfer window.

Things have not been straightforward for Hill, who has had loan spells at Hearts and Blackburn.