BREAKING: " WALES FOOTBALL SQUAD ANNOUCED "

World Cup qualifiers: Sheffield United winger David Brooks earns Wales call-up



BBC

Thursday 28th September 2017

United's David Brooks was praised for his performance in the Sheffield derby against Wednesday
2018 World Cup qualifiers: Georgia v Wales


Venue: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tblisi Date: Friday, 6 October Kick-off: 17:00 BST


Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary.


Uncapped Sheffield United winger David Brooks has been called into the Wales squad for the first time for World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia and Republic of Ireland in October.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye for the Blades this season and has started their last three Championship games.

Preston North End goalkeeper Chris Maxwell also earns his first call-up.

Back-up defenders Jazz Richards and James Collins are injured, otherwise Wales have a clean bill of health.

Joe Ledley has made a goalscoring return to first-team football after joining Derby, and that could persuade manager Chris Coleman to start the midfielder against Georgia on 6 October.

Uncapped Ethan Ampadu, 17, is again part of the 23-man squad after the defender's debut for Chelsea.

His inclusion alongside Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn, 17, and Brooks - who opted to play for England's Under-20s in the summer before recommitting to Wales' Under-21s earlier this season - gives Coleman's squad a youthful look.

World Cup Qualifying Group D
Other than that, Coleman will be glad to see his star players on song, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey - who is set to win his 50th cap - rediscovering their best form for Real Madrid and Arsenal at just the right time.

It is understood Ramsey has not travelled to Belarus with Arsenal, who will rest a number of top stars against Bate Borisov in the Europa League this evening.

Wales are second in Group D following wins over Austria and Moldova in September, but trail leaders Serbia by four points with two matches remaining.

Second place could be enough to earn Coleman's team a place in the play-offs, which will see eight of the nine runners up in qualifying groups play for four remaining places in Russia 2018.

After playing Georgia in Tblisi on 6 October, Wales face a potential showdown for second place with the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Monday, 9 October.




Wales squad:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Chris Maxwell; Defenders: Ben Davies, James Chester, Neil Taylor, Chris Gunter, Tom Lockyer, Ashley Williams, Ethan Ampadu; Midfielders: Joe Allen, David Edwards, Andy King, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Jonathan Williams, David Brooks; Forwards: Gareth Bale, Marley Watkins, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Vokes, Tom Lawrence, Ben Woodburn.

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Wales squad:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Chris Maxwell; Defenders: Ben Davies, James Chester, Neil Taylor, Chris Gunter, Tom Lockyer, Ashley Williams, Ethan Ampadu; Midfielders: Joe Allen, David Edwards, Andy King, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Jonathan Williams, David Brooks; Forwards: Gareth Bale, Marley Watkins, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Vokes, Tom Lawrence, Ben Woodburn.

' Table '

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No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

Karl, Same here

No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

Karl, I believe he has an ankle injury

No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

Karl, I believe he has an ankle injury

Chris,

He has dropped out numerous times past 5 yrs and it surprised me that he was in France.

He left the squad after Austria game only to be playing with West Ham straight away?

Appears to be a little "I think I should be playing syndrome" from him. That's all good and well but if the ones in front of you are earning the shirt then he can't complain

That's why I would opt for youngsters, who are more committed to the shirt.

Brooks should either play or come on at Georgia.

Wales win another tug-of-war with England over talented young star as David Brooks called into World Cup squad


BBC

Thursday 28th September 2017


Wales boss Chris Coleman has called dual-qualified David Brooks into his World Cup squad for the qualifying matches against Georgia and Republic of Ireland.

The highly-talented midfielder was voted as Best Player as England's Under-20 won the Toulon Tournament in the summer.

However, he has chosen to throw his lot in with Wales.


He appeared for the Under-21 for their Euro 2019 qualifiers against Switzerland and Portugal earlier this month, and Coleman has chosen to name him next to Gareth Bale and Co. in the senior squad.

Brooks follows in the footsteps of Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn and Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu.

They also qualify for England, but have opted for the red of Wales.

Brooks' call-up by Coleman means he has featured since May in the Wales Under-20 squad, the England Under-20 squad, the Wales Under-21 side and now the Wales senior squad.

Discussing Brooks' inclusion in the squad, Coleman said: "I thought I’d take pressure off Ben (Woodburn).


"He’s earned it, he’s done very well and he’s had a great couple of games with Rob Page in the last camp. There was a great report from him, we knew about him anyway, I watched him against Cardiff about six weeks ago when he came on as sub for Sheffield United and did well.

"He’s been on the radar for some time, he’s another young one coming through, but he’s earned it. He was excellent in the derby game against Sheffield Wednesday and he’s earned it.

"You can never tell (if he would return to Wales after the summer). We were hopeful, but you will have to ask David.

"The connection has always been there. He’s shown great promise for some years. Luckily for us he’s chosen Wales."

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No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

Karl, I believe he has an ankle injury

Chris,

He has dropped out numerous times past 5 yrs and it surprised me that he was in France.

He left the squad after Austria game only to be playing with West Ham straight away?

Appears to be a little "I think I should be playing syndrome" from him. That's all good and well but if the ones in front of you are earning the shirt then he can't complain

That's why I would opt for youngsters, who are more committed to the shirt.

Brooks should either play or come on at Georgia.

Karl, I have to be honest and say I'm not a massive international football follower but I admire what Wales have done under the last three managers; starting with the bravery at the time of John Toshack and followed up by the late great Gary Speed and surprising Chris Coleman

I actually thought 'Ginger Pele' had retired/withdrawn from international football but it appears not. He has a bit of a history for being pedantic but I know he went off injured for Villa against West Brom recently and reports then were saying he "was a doubt" for the internationals

Seeing David Brooks (and Ampadu and Woodburn) brought in is a positive for the future. He's doing very well for Sheffield United and Chris Coleman has been very smart in bringing him in and effectively securing his international future to Wales

Despite not wanting him at City, it's good to see Joe Ledley keep his place whilst he gets up to club fitness at Derby County. I said elsewhere I would be disappointed to see him lose out on his Wales squad place should the team get to Russia next summer and this (like others) will be his last campaign

Wales win another tug-of-war with England over talented young star as David Brooks called into World Cup squad


BBC

Thursday 28th September 2017


Wales boss Chris Coleman has called dual-qualified David Brooks into his World Cup squad for the qualifying matches against Georgia and Republic of Ireland.

The highly-talented midfielder was voted as Best Player as England's Under-20 won the Toulon Tournament in the summer.

However, he has chosen to throw his lot in with Wales.


He appeared for the Under-21 for their Euro 2019 qualifiers against Switzerland and Portugal earlier this month, and Coleman has chosen to name him next to Gareth Bale and Co. in the senior squad.

Brooks follows in the footsteps of Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn and Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu.

They also qualify for England, but have opted for the red of Wales.

Brooks' call-up by Coleman means he has featured since May in the Wales Under-20 squad, the England Under-20 squad, the Wales Under-21 side and now the Wales senior squad.

Discussing Brooks' inclusion in the squad, Coleman said: "I thought I’d take pressure off Ben (Woodburn).


"He’s earned it, he’s done very well and he’s had a great couple of games with Rob Page in the last camp. There was a great report from him, we knew about him anyway, I watched him against Cardiff about six weeks ago when he came on as sub for Sheffield United and did well.

"He’s been on the radar for some time, he’s another young one coming through, but he’s earned it. He was excellent in the derby game against Sheffield Wednesday and he’s earned it.

"You can never tell (if he would return to Wales after the summer). We were hopeful, but you will have to ask David.

"The connection has always been there. He’s shown great promise for some years. Luckily for us he’s chosen Wales."

pulled out of the Wales squad for last years Toulon tournament..then joined the England squad that won it.. and was awarded player of the tournament along the way.. very happy he seems to have chosen Wales at senior level...

No James Collins???

If we did get to Russia I wouldn't take him and stick
with some of the youngsters.

Karl, I believe he has an ankle injury

Chris,

He has dropped out numerous times past 5 yrs and it surprised me that he was in France.

He left the squad after Austria game only to be playing with West Ham straight away?

Appears to be a little "I think I should be playing syndrome" from him. That's all good and well but if the ones in front of you are earning the shirt then he can't complain

That's why I would opt for youngsters, who are more committed to the shirt.

Brooks should either play or come on at Georgia.

agree with Brooks..not Collins
those 5 years he has been performing regularly in the prem and more often than not overlooked for championship players..

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

Ryan Giggs played for England Schoolboys because qualification for that is based on where you go to school and he was living and being educated in England by then in his life. Not sure if he was then playing under his real name of Ryan Wilson or whether he had already changed it to Giggs by then

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

its just senior competitive games.
they do keep changing the rules though..which doesnt help us mere mortals .
and on top of the FIFA regs the home nations also have their own extra agreements..

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

Ryan Giggs played for England Schoolboys because qualification for that is based on where you go to school and he was living and being educated in England by then in his life. Not sure if he was then playing under his real name of Ryan Wilson or whether he had already changed it to Giggs by then

correct...will add that he did not qualify to play for England at the time, but im pretty sure he would be able to now due to changes in rules..

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

Ryan Giggs played for England Schoolboys because qualification for that is based on where you go to school and he was living and being educated in England by then in his life. Not sure if he was then playing under his real name of Ryan Wilson or whether he had already changed it to Giggs by then

Thanks, Keith. Makes sense (on Giggs)

Coleman had to call Brooks up to secure his future loyalty to Wales - what is the full criteria - does he actually need to play a certain amount of games?

just take the field during the game.

- was not sure as I am aware of several players changing allegiance having already played at senior level

i am pretty sure friendlies are not biding but competitive games { which this one is } are.

What about his time in the England Under 20's team in which he played in the Toulon Tournament winning side? Or is it just 'senior' internationals that count? I think Giggs represented England at some point in his youth?

its just senior competitive games.
they do keep changing the rules though..which doesnt help us mere mortals .
and on top of the FIFA regs the home nations also have their own extra agreements..

Cheers

It certainly doesn't help but (as you point out above) the UK situation is one on its own and with the 'grandparent' rule being in place, I reckon the majority of us would qualify for two or more of the 'home' nation sides!

Regarding Brooks, I think it's great for Wales (and they need to play him to close the deal) but after playing in a competitive and successful England team, his change of allegiances might be partly down to his (shall we say) limited chances of further caps with that country!

I guess it's down to the player to put the shifts in to show commitment to the cause and I wish him well. Ashley William certainly does it (credit to him for that) and the Republic of Ireland have been doing it well for years!