How the Wales ‘C’ team could look ahead of their crunch tie with England

With the introduction of the Welsh international ‘C’ team, manager Mark Jones will be tasked with the job of choosing the 23-man-squad for March.

The Welsh pyramid system has produced a number of senior Wales internationals over the last few seasons, with the likes of Ryan Hedges, who previously played for Flint Town United and Tom Bradshaw, formerly of Aberystwyth Town, pulling on the Red of Wales.

But now the Welsh domestic game will be able to sing the words of Land of my Fathers, with the C’Team’ being launched earlier today.

Jonah will be able to call upon the Welsh Premier League’s best Welsh players as they test their wits against the very best of England’s non-league scene.

So how could this Welsh semi-professional team look like when they line up against England at Jenner Park on the 20th March?

Goalkeeper – Ashley Morris – Bala Town

Tredegar born goalkeeper Ashley Morris has been a Welsh Premier League stalwart for the last six years and is in his sixth season with the Lakesiders. During that time, he had featured for Bala in their Europa League appearances and was part of their JD Welsh Cup winning side last season.

The 33-year-old has six clean sheets to his name this campaign and his experience between the sticks could put him into consideration.

Right Back – Dylan Rees – Cardiff Metropolitan University

Rees is a relative newcomer to the JD Welsh Premier League, having only joined Cardiff Metropolitan University in the summer. Before that, he had a brief spell with Aberystwyth Town as they avoided relegation. His experience beforehand was playing football for Cardiff City’s developmental team.

Since joining the Archers, he has been part of the Archers defence which has conceded the least amount of goals in Phase One.

Centre Back – Emlyn Lewis – Cardiff Metropolitan University 

Welsh speaking Emlyn Lewis could be a big player if he were to be called up. His aerial presence could be a pivotal factor in the match.

Like his Archers teammate Rees, Lewis has been a part of the Archers side that has conceded the least amount of goals this season. He also registered a number of goals to his name last season.

Centre Back – Nathan Peate – Cefn Druids 

Gresford based Peate has certainly impressed for the Cefn Druids, as he helped them into their top six finish in Phase One.

The former Denbigh Town defender has certainly developed over the last year, having been out of favour at Premier League rivals Llandudno. Peate scored three goals in 21 appearances for the Druids and like Lewis, he could be a threat in both boxes.

Left Back – Jordan Evans  – Bala Town

Bala Town’s Jordan Evans could be a big name player in this Wales squad. The 22-year-old has already played for Wales at youth level, for both the Wales U19’s and the Wales U21 squad.

Evans who plays as a left-back but can often push forward in both a wing-back role and on the flank. The former Wrexham trainee who has previously played in the Football League for Oxford United would certainly offer something.

Right Winger – Eliot Evans – Cardiff Metropolitan University

Evans may have been born in England but through qualification through his parents and grandparents, would qualify for the Welsh national team.

The 26-year-old who was part of the Archer’s side that had a meteoric rise through the Welsh Football League, as well as claiming a Division One title with his local side Monmouth Town, has had some season this year.

Evans has scored 12 goals in 22 league appearances, making him their highest goal scorer and the second altogether in Wales’ top flight, despite playing in a wide position. The Nathaniel MG Cup runner-up has also struck a strong partnership with forward Adam Roscrow, who has benefitted from Evans’ service.

Centre Midfield – James Owen – Connah’s Quay Nomads

Former Airbus UK midfielder James Owen has been one of Andy Morrison’s tried and tested players having played for Airbus UK and Connah’s Quay Nomads under the former Manchester City defender.

Owen who could be described as a versatile central midfielder, with the ability to both defend and attack could form a formidable partnership with selected Chris Venables, with both of high quality.

The 27-year-old has already played for the Wales U23s squad and has scored five goals this campaign.

Centre Midfield – Chris Venables – Bala Town

Chris Venables could be seen as a Welsh Premier League marquee player, considering his involvement in the league over the last few years. Following his move to Bala Town last summer, Colin Caton intrusted him with the captain’s armband.

He has since won the JD Welsh Cup with the club and has continued his form into this season, having been awarded Player of the Month for December.

Left Winger – Aeron Edwards – The New Saints 

Edwards could be considered of the similar ilk of Chris Venables, in his contribution and loyalty to the league over the years.

The former Buckley Town man has every major Welsh trophy to his name since moving to Park Hall back in 2009 and his experience to the side down that flank.

Edwards has already played for Wales in their former guise. He has also played for the Welsh U21 and Wales U19 teams, accumulating 19 appearances and three goals.

Striker – Adam Roscrow – Cardiff Metropolitan University

He may be injured at the moment, but Adam Roscrow was in red-hot form before picking up an injury which saw him miss out on an appearance in the Nathaniel MG Cup final, as well as a number of games in Phase One. Roscrow netted nine teams in 14 league appearances and also chipped in with a number of assists.

If Roscrow were to return fully fit and continue where he left off before picking up the injury, then Roscrow could be in contention of a Wales call-up.

Striker – Kayne McLaggon – Barry Town United 

McLaggon may have only joined the league this summer, having played in the non-league scene in England for a long duration but after moving to Barry Town United from Merthyr Town, he has certainly hit the ground running.

McLaggon scored a majority of the Linnets goals as his side missed out on a place in the top six by just a few points. With 10 goals in 22 appearances for Barry Town United, McLaggon could be one of the main men to lead the line for Wales.

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)