Ryan Giggs names Wales squad for opening European Championship qualifier
Cardiff, Wales. 13th November, 2018. Wales manager Ryan Giggs faces the media ahead of the match against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs has named uncapped Rotherham United midfielder Will Vaulks in the squad to face Slovakia and Trinidad & Tobago.
The 25-year-old qualifies for Wales through his Welsh mother, with Ryan Giggs previously attending a game that Vaulks starred in.
Gareth Bale is included in the squad, despite missing Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Valladolid Saturday with an ankle injury.
Giggs also confirmed that Stoke City defender Ashley Williams will remain captain of Wales for this qualifying campaign: “He will be captain – as long as he in the squad.”
23-year-old Ryan Hedges is also in the squad, despite only making three starts this season for Barnsley with the rest being substitute appearances.
It is the first squad announcement since Aaron Ramsey confirmed his move to Serie A giants Juventus from current club Arsenal.
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Neil Taylor who has yet to make an appearance under the Manchester United legend is included, after missing the last international break due to injury.
Rabbi Matondo could be in line for his first start for Wales, after making his debut for the Dragons against Albania.
Wales first take on Trinidad & Tobago when they host them at The Racecourse Ground. It’s the first senior Wales fixture in thirteen years. It is only the second time that Wales have played the Soca Warriors.
Four days later, the Dragons head down South to begin their European Championship Qualifying campaign against Slovakia on the 24th March. Wales reached the semi-finals in the last European Championships, losing to eventual winners Portugal.
Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, A Davies, Maxwell.
Defenders: A Williams, Gunter, Taylor, B Davies, C Roberts, J Lawrence, Ampadu, Lockyer, Mepham, Dummett, John, Hedges.
Midfielders: Allen, Ramsey, Smith, Evans, Vaulks, Thomas.
Attackers: Vokes, T Lawrence, Bale, T Roberts, Brooks, Woodburn, Wilson, Matondo, James.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
