Craig Bellamy Announces First Wales Squad Featuring Leeds Heavily, As Darlow Receives his First Call-Up
Craig Bellamy, the new head coach of the Wales national football team, has unveiled his first squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Turkey and Montenegro, The Irish News reported. Among the notable inclusions is Karl Darlow, the Leeds United goalkeeper, who previously declined offers to represent Wales in 2013 and 2018. The 33-year-old, born in Northampton and the grandson of 1958 World Cup squad member Ken Leek, has mostly played backup to Illan Meslier at Leeds.
Darlow's addition fills the gap left by veteran Wayne Hennessey, who is recovering from a long-term Achilles injury, and Tom King. Competing for the goalkeeping position with Darlow are Danny Ward from Leicester City and Adam Davies of Sheffield United. Surprisingly, midfielder Joe Morrell and several younger players like Rubin Colwill have been left out despite being involved in previous summer friendlies.
Bellamy's squad also brings significant recalls: Ollie Cooper of Swansea City and Mark Harris of Oxford United, who have been omitted for over a year, are making a return. Harris was pivotal in Wales' 2022 World Cup journey, contributing three goals in as many games in Oxford’s Sky Bet Championship bid. Sorba Thomas also makes a comeback, having started impressively with Ligue 1 side Nantes on a loan deal from Huddersfield.
Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns from Ipswich Town, along with Bournemouth’s David Brooks, miss out due to injuries. At the same time, other key players such as Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas retain their spots in Bellamy's first squad announcement. However, youngsters like Fin Stevens, Joe Low, and Charlie Crew remain with the Under-21s, expecting to feature against Iceland.
Captained roles have not been firmly decided yet. While Aaron Ramsey, marred by injuries, is a probable choice, alternative leaders like Tottenham's Ben Davies and Leeds' Ethan Ampadu are being considered. Wade through a vast player pool, including Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, and Joe Rodon, Bellamy will set the tone for his managerial era against Turkey on September 6 in Cardiff and against Montenegro three days later.
Full Wales Squad:
Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Karl Darlow (Leeds)
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), Owen Beck (Blackburn, on loan from Liverpool), Joe Rodon (Leeds), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ben Cabango (Swansea), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley)
Midfielders: Jordan James (Rennes), Ethan Ampadu (Leeds), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Ollie Cooper (Swansea), Sorba Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield)
Forwards: Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United), Lewis Koumas (Stoke, on loan from Liverpool), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Daniel James (Leeds), Mark Harris (Oxford), Liam Cullen (Swansea), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers)
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