" GARY SPEED SPOKE TO BEN TURNER "

Could have just been about Eastenders or something but probably to do with playing for Wales.

Cardiff City's Ben Turner could be pulling on the red shirt of Wales next year.

Wales manager Gary Speed has already talked to Cardiff City’s 6ft 4ins centre-half this season – and Football Association of Wales officials are ready to check out Turner’s eligibility.

The Birmingham-born defender, 23, was approached by Wales two years ago when he would have been able to play international football at under-21 level, but neither party took it any farther.

Turner did play for England at under-19 level, but that will not affect his chances of playing for Wales at senior level.

He remembers visiting his Welsh grandmother when he was a schoolboy and could soon be looking up official documents to confirm he is eligible to be selected by Speed.

A first call could even come in February when Wales are due to play an international friendly, probably away. Nothing yet, though, has been arranged.

An FAW spokesman confirmed they will be checking out Turner’s eligibility for Wales and then the decision will be for manager Speed, who is sure to take in Cardiff City matches over the next few months.

Turner has now made six Championship appearances for Cardiff City and looks a powerful defender alongside captain Mark Hudson at the heart of defence.

The strapping central defender is back playing after virtually a year out because of knee surgery, while Bluebirds’ manager Malky Mackay is delighted with the form of a player he believes has the potential to play at Premiership level.

It was under-21 manager Brian Flynn who first approached Turner two years ago and the born-and-bred Brummie couldn’t remember where his grandparents hail from in Wales.

“I was asked if I would consider it and I said I would,” said Turner when he was first approached.

“I don’t really have a clue how he (Flynn) knew about my Welsh roots.

“I do have two full Welsh grandparents – a grandad on one side and a nan on the other. I am eligible.

“I am not sure where exactly my grandparents come from in Wales.

“Up to now I have always considered myself as an Englishman.

“I played for England under-19s but you don’t actually have to commit yourself if you have got a split nationality until you reach under-21s level.”

Turner hasn’t played for England at that level – and can still play for Wales and go head-to-head with Bluebirds club-mate Darcy Blake plus James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and more at the heart of defence.

would guarantee international place with wales

Left footed centre half is always an option these days , at the mo Williams and Blake seem to be the preferred choice of Gary Speed though .

what a great addition he would be to our defence, much needed imo as were short at the back.

also....


sucks to be darcy :p

Could have just been about Eastenders or something but probably to do with playing for Wales.

Cardiff City's Ben Turner could be pulling on the red shirt of Wales next year.

Wales manager Gary Speed has already talked to Cardiff City’s 6ft 4ins centre-half this season – and Football Association of Wales officials are ready to check out Turner’s eligibility.

The Birmingham-born defender, 23, was approached by Wales two years ago when he would have been able to play international football at under-21 level, but neither party took it any farther.

Turner did play for England at under-19 level, but that will not affect his chances of playing for Wales at senior level.

He remembers visiting his Welsh grandmother when he was a schoolboy and could soon be looking up official documents to confirm he is eligible to be selected by Speed.

A first call could even come in February when Wales are due to play an international friendly, probably away. Nothing yet, though, has been arranged.

An FAW spokesman confirmed they will be checking out Turner’s eligibility for Wales and then the decision will be for manager Speed, who is sure to take in Cardiff City matches over the next few months.

Turner has now made six Championship appearances for Cardiff City and looks a powerful defender alongside captain Mark Hudson at the heart of defence.

The strapping central defender is back playing after virtually a year out because of knee surgery, while Bluebirds’ manager Malky Mackay is delighted with the form of a player he believes has the potential to play at Premiership level.

It was under-21 manager Brian Flynn who first approached Turner two years ago and the born-and-bred Brummie couldn’t remember where his grandparents hail from in Wales.

“I was asked if I would consider it and I said I would,” said Turner when he was first approached.

“I don’t really have a clue how he (Flynn) knew about my Welsh roots.

“I do have two full Welsh grandparents – a grandad on one side and a nan on the other. I am eligible.

“I am not sure where exactly my grandparents come from in Wales.

“Up to now I have always considered myself as an Englishman.

“I played for England under-19s but you don’t actually have to commit yourself if you have got a split nationality until you reach under-21s level.”

Turner hasn’t played for England at that level – and can still play for Wales and go head-to-head with Bluebirds club-mate Darcy Blake plus James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and more at the heart of defence.

Surely Speed didnt ask him if he was Ben from Eastenders

I hope your not implying speed is gay

good news, we need more depth at cb especially as james collins seems to have chucked his toys out of the pram

Could have just been about Eastenders or something but probably to do with playing for Wales.

Cardiff City's Ben Turner could be pulling on the red shirt of Wales next year.

Wales manager Gary Speed has already talked to Cardiff City’s 6ft 4ins centre-half this season – and Football Association of Wales officials are ready to check out Turner’s eligibility.

The Birmingham-born defender, 23, was approached by Wales two years ago when he would have been able to play international football at under-21 level, but neither party took it any farther.

Turner did play for England at under-19 level, but that will not affect his chances of playing for Wales at senior level.

He remembers visiting his Welsh grandmother when he was a schoolboy and could soon be looking up official documents to confirm he is eligible to be selected by Speed.

A first call could even come in February when Wales are due to play an international friendly, probably away. Nothing yet, though, has been arranged.

An FAW spokesman confirmed they will be checking out Turner’s eligibility for Wales and then the decision will be for manager Speed, who is sure to take in Cardiff City matches over the next few months.

Turner has now made six Championship appearances for Cardiff City and looks a powerful defender alongside captain Mark Hudson at the heart of defence.

The strapping central defender is back playing after virtually a year out because of knee surgery, while Bluebirds’ manager Malky Mackay is delighted with the form of a player he believes has the potential to play at Premiership level.

It was under-21 manager Brian Flynn who first approached Turner two years ago and the born-and-bred Brummie couldn’t remember where his grandparents hail from in Wales.

“I was asked if I would consider it and I said I would,” said Turner when he was first approached.

“I don’t really have a clue how he (Flynn) knew about my Welsh roots.

“I do have two full Welsh grandparents – a grandad on one side and a nan on the other. I am eligible.

“I am not sure where exactly my grandparents come from in Wales.

“Up to now I have always considered myself as an Englishman.

“I played for England under-19s but you don’t actually have to commit yourself if you have got a split nationality until you reach under-21s level.”

Turner hasn’t played for England at that level – and can still play for Wales and go head-to-head with Bluebirds club-mate Darcy Blake plus James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and more at the heart of defence.

Surely Speed didnt ask him if he was Ben from Eastenders

Farcucal. Hes english.

Could his grand parents be related or live near Shane Howath"s grandparents, I am sure if he contacted the WRU they could find out and get the relevant documents !!!

Could his grand parents be related or live near Shane Howath"s grandparents, I am sure if he contacted the WRU they could find out and get the relevant documents !!!

"A Welsh grandmother means city defender could be in line for a Wales call from Speed" - SWEcho 16-11-2011.

Darcy Blake will be pleased

Ben Turner would be a great asset to the Wales squad in my opinion.

Just don't agree with this ruling. Qualification should stop at parents.

Just don't agree with this ruling. Qualification should stop at parents.

well its been this way for ages and i think its fair how it is

lots of countries take more advantage out of it than us.