Nomads’ long-throw specialist Jake Phillips discusses Wales C call-up

Connah’s Quay Nomads’ Jake Phillips has described the ‘surreal’ moment of when he was notified of his Wales C call-up.

The former Wrexham defender was called up to Mark Jones’ Wales C squad, as they take on England at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium next week.

Having previously represented Wales at Schoolboy Level, he has now moved into senior football, after forcing his way into Jonah’s side.

The 22-year-old said: “For me, it is most probably the biggest achievement to date. Any kids dream growing up would be to represent their country at any level. 

“When I received the phone call from Jonah, it was a bit surreal and it took a bit of time to sink in as to what was actually happening.”

It’s gearing up to be some week for Jake Phillips, who faces three games in the space of eight days, in what is a big week for club and country.

After he’s turned out for Connah’s Quay in their fixture with Newtown on Friday, he will travel to Salford with the Wales squad on Saturday.

He will then potentially earn his first senior Wales cap, he’ll then have to prepare for the Connah’s Quay Nomads’ Irn Bro-Cup final against Ross County.

“The thought of playing for Wales and in an Irn Bru Cup Final for Connah’s Quay all within the space of a week is fantastic.

“As a player, you want to challenge yourself against the best and there is certainly a chance this will happen to play against England C and Ross County.”

The former Ancients defender spent the first few months of the season in the second tier with Bangor City.

Phillips was signed by Craig Harrison, who is now a First Team Coach at the Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The majority of the Wales C squad had been playing regularly for their clubs.

But since returning to Deeside Stadium, Phillips has earned a starting berth for his club.

“At the start of the season, my aims were to play regular first-team football and a Wales C call up didn’t really cross my mind.

“I was fortunate enough to go on loan to a great club in Bangor City where I played under three good managers.

“I was lucky that I played week in week out with a good bunch of players in a competitive league which helped my development.

“My loan move at Bangor City helped me prepare for WPL massively as regular first-time football was key for me to get back to the top tier of Welsh Football and stand a chance for Wales C Call up.”

Phillips has made a name for himself in the JD Welsh Premier League, with a giant throw in his artillery.

Unlike professional footballers like Aron Gunnarsson who previously played handball or Rory Delap who was a javelin champion at School, there is no secret to his trait.

“It’s a question I often get asked in terms of my long throw and a question that more often than not I can’t answer. 

“I have never been one for athletics and it is something that I’ve never really worked on, therefore I can only put it down to technique.”

(Featured Image: NCM Media)