Wilson returns as Wales call up uncapped Duncan

Published8 hours ago

Harry Wilson is back in Wales' squad for their Nations League matches against Norway and Portugal, while there is a first call-up for young goalkeeper Joe Duncan.

Wilson has been one of Wales' most influential players in recent years but injuries mean the Leeds United attacking midfielder has not featured for his country since March.

His Leeds team-mate, centre-back Joe Rodon, also returns despite not playing since injuring his hamstring in August.

"We've clearly seen in my time here the influence Harry's had," said Wales head coach Craig Bellamy. "He's had a big influence on the team. He's been outstanding for us.

"Joe's been immense, so it's great having him. Players have to come through [for their clubs] this week so, fingers crossed when we report Sunday, we have these players available because they're really important for us."

Cardiff City playmaker Rubin Colwill is recalled but fellow midfielder Jordan James is out after sustaining an injury while playing for Wolves against the Bluebirds last Saturday.

The only new call-up is 20-year-old Duncan, who is on loan at National League side Southend United from Championship outfit Bristol City, as Bellamy looks to freshen up Wales' ageing crop of keepers.

Born in Bristol but qualifying for Wales through his maternal grandfather from Cardiff, Duncan has represented Wales Under-21s and replaces Everton back-up Tom King in the senior squad.

Wales have a shortage of goalkeeping options, with a noticeable lack of young players emerging. First-team regulars Karl Darlow and Danny Ward are 36 and 33 respectively, while King is 31.

"It's a clear issue at this moment, of course it is, because of the age of our goalkeepers," said Bellamy.

"At one stage a long time ago, we had the world's number one goalkeeper [Neville Southall], most incredible goalkeeper.

"But this period now, where's the next one? One of my best friends is the manager at Southend [Kieron Dyer], who gives me big updates. He's been over the moon with him [Duncan].

"When I've seen him, I've been really happy with him. The National League will test you, it will test your toughness, there's no protection for goalkeepers, so I think it's a brilliant part of his development.

"The more you see him and you see him live then it makes it clear if we think he's going to be ready in the next couple of years. He might not be ready right now but we always have to have one eye on the future."

Wales, who are looking to preserve their place in the Nations League's top tier, face Norway in Oslo on Saturday, 14 November before finishing their campaign at home against Portugal the following Tuesday.

Wales are third in Group A4, with their only win from four matches so far coming against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway in Cardiff last month.

Bellamy's side could still finish in second, third or fourth place.

A top-two spot would take Wales to the Nations League quarter-finals in March 2027.

Finishing third would mean a relegation play-off against a League B team in March while finishing bottom of the group would result in either a relegation play-off or direct relegation, depending on the ranking with other League A groups.

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Wales Squad

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Manchester United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Joe Duncan (Southend United - on loan from Bristol City)

Defenders: Connor Roberts (Burnley), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United)

Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Kai Andrews (Oxford United - on loan from Coventry City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Leicester City), David Brooks (Bournemouth)

Forwards: Brennan Johnson (Everton), Sorba Thomas (Hull City), Lewis Koumas (Liverpool), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Dan James (Leeds United), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City)

Wales' Uefa Nations League fixtures

Saturday, 14 November

Norway v Wales – Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo (17:00 GMT)

Tuesday, 17 November

Wales v Portugal – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff (19:45 GMT)

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