Newtown’s Callum Roberts has expressed his delight in being called up Mark Jones’ Wales C squad.
The 20-year-old is the only player from Mid Wales to be included in the squad.
Roberts has been ever-present for the Robins this season, scoring twice for the Powys based club.
Roberts said: “I felt really honoured and proud to have received the call-up, the first thing I did was share the news with my family who were all really delighted.
“This is certainly up there with some of greatest achievements so far. To represent your country is a very proud moment for any player at any level.”
Jonah has chosen two left-backs in the squad. His task will be to displace Chris Hugh, who earned rave reviews for his performance against England in the last meeting.
Roberts is ahead of Hugh this season in the assists department. Both are attacking full-backs who like to push forward, but with Roberts on five assists and Hugh on two, the Wales C boss has a tough task ahead of him in choosing a left-back.
On the battle with Hugh, Roberts commented: “I’ve seen a lot of him this season and watched the Wales C game from last season and thought he did very well.
“I’m sure that both of us will give it our best whoever is lucky enough to be starting the game.”
It’s a double delight for Roberts and former Robins teammate Ryan Sears.
Sears was on loan at Latham Park last season and this campaign, he has forced himself into the first team of Shrewsbury Town.
In doing so, he has earned a call-up to Robert Page’s Wales Under-21s squad for a training camp, alongside Barry Town United’s Momodou Touray.
“Ryan’s a really close friend of mine. We played together from the age of 12 for Powys all the way through until last season and it hasn’t come as a surprise that he’s done so well.
“He’s showed that you get rewarded in football for being consistently good in matches and taking opportunities when they come your way.”
(Image: Will Cheshire)
Newtown have been the surprise package this season in the JD Welsh Premier League, where they currently sit fourth.
After losing a number of key players last season and missing out on a playoff spot, Chris Hughes side comfortably made their way into the Championship Conference.
They have an outside chance of qualifying automatically, should they overtake Barry Town United.
Newtown though have gone under the radar, with not much media attention surrounding them for their form this season. Roberts says some other players from Newtown could have made the call-up, but the decision is always down to the manager.
“We’ve had a great season and I know there are others who in some peoples opinions may have deserved a call-up. However, it’s up to the manager and his staff to decide on a squad and I’m sure everyone realises its a game of opinions.
“The team have been terrific this year with some real standout performers. Its been a pleasure to be a part of it. I think the gaffer and the rest of the staff deserve huge credit for being so competitive year in year out.
“On a personal note, I’m playing with a lot of confidence at the minute and feel as though we’re ready for a competitive end to the season and hopefully we achieve Europe.”
Wales C take on England C at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium on March 19th with a scheduled kick off of 7:30 pm.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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