Mark Jones next week names his Wales C side – how could their team look ahead of the clash at The Oval?
Wales will renew their old rivalry with England for the third consecutive fixture between the two sides.
It has been a fixture which has propelled the careers of those involved. Connell Rawlinson, Fejiri Okenabirhie and most recently Adam Roscrow moved to the Football League, after appearing in the fixture.
Ahead of the announcement, Jones said that five places are available, as he runs the rule over players in the next three-game weeks.
“I think we’re about 80% there now with the squad, with four or five spaces still up for grabs, and our selection process has been exactly the same as last year.
“If you’re performing well, and there are big performances in the next couple of weeks, you’re going to have a good chance of securing one of those final places in the squad.
We’ve constructed a 21-man squad, based on what Jonah went with the last time, constituting the players we believe will be in and around the first-team.
So let’s get into it and see who could be lining up in Caernarfon to wear the red of Cymru and belting out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Goalkeepers:
Alex Ramsay of Caernarfon Town. (Image: Colin Ewart)
ALEX RAMSAY (26): Alex Ramsay is joint top for a Welsh goalkeeper for clean sheets this season and will surely get a recall.
Ramsay was composed in the last fixture and will get a huge backing if he is to don the gloves at his Oval home.
DAVE JONES (29): Newtown are a side which doesn’t ship many goals and Jones is a huge part of that. The experienced goalkeeper is a long-serving custodian of the league and would deserve a call-up. He’s tied with Ramsay for eight clean sheets this season.
Defenders:
LUKE CUMMINGS (28): Barry Town United
After a summer move from Carmarthen Town, Luke Cummings has slotted in well a sturdy Barry defence.
Like his opposite full-back Chris Hugh, Cummings likes to go forward and is an attacking fullback. Ever-present for his club side, Cummings is an option to consider.
CHRIS HUGH (28): Barry Town United
Included in the last two squads, Chris Hugh looks certain to be included in the squad again.
He can double up as a wing-back, providing attacking service to the side.
CALLUM ROBERTS (21): Connah’s Quay Nomads
Having played a bit part roll in the last fixture, Roberts’ task will have been to have proven his worth to Jonah.
He’s done that by moving to Connah’s Quay, who boast the best defence in the league.
Roberts is of a similar mould to Hugh in that he’s also very attacking. He more than held his own in the Europa League fixtures and will face a key battle with Hugh for a starting berth.
KESTON DAVIES (23): The New Saints
Having represented Wales at three age levels, Davies should be considered. The towering centre-back has matured over the course of the season and has goals to his game.
EMLYN LEWIS (23): Cardiff Metropolitan
A central defender who plays beyond his years, Emlyn Lewis has been one of the key players in Met’s Cymru Premier journey.
He was involved in the last Wales squad and is a defender who has a real aerial presence.
LUKE COOPER (26): Barry Town United
Having been left out of the last two squads, Cooper will be knocking on the door for sure this season.
The former Caerau Ely defender has put in a number of standout displays, dealing with some of the toughest attackers in the division.
KIERAN MILLS-EVANS (27): Newtown
A late call-up to the last Wales C squad, Mills-Evans could be someone who makes a reappearance in the squad.
With over 100 starts for Newtown, he’s been part of a Robins defence which doesn’t ship many goals.
KANE OWEN (25): Penybont
One of the most important players in Penybont’s search for survival, Kane Owen has impressed many in the Cymru Premier this season.
At times he’s been a man on a mission in trying to salvage lost points for the club.
Chris Hugh and Calum Roberts already have the left-back spots, so a radical option could be to call up Kane Owen as a potential winger. He’s had experience in playing in midfield for his University side.
Alternatively, he could play in his usual position and someone like Callum Roberts could be deployed as a winger.
Midfielders:
HENRY JONES (26): Bala Town
Arguably one of the most individually talented players in the league, Jones is a top player on his day.
It’s why he was signed by AFC Fylde after a top season for Bangor City.
Fortunately, he returned to the division by signing for Bala and has become an important player.
AERON EDWARDS (32): The New Saints
One of Jonah’s trusted generals in the middle, Edwards was given the captains armband in last years fixture.
Six goals in 20 appearances for his club side this season, Edwards is still as important to his club after all these years.
Edwards has long-distance scoring in his locker, something which could come in handy against a youthful England side.
LEO SMITH (21): Caernarfon Town
Ineligible last season due to being a professionally contracted player on loan from Wrexham, Leo Smith is a welcome possible inclusion to the squad. He’s continued where he’s left off from his loans at Llandudno and then Caernarfon.
Four goals in 21 appearances for the Cofis, as well as some sublime displays in the middle, should see Smith in the squad.
DARREN THOMAS (32): Caernarfon Town
Described as ‘The Cofi Messi’ the Caernarfon faithful would be extremely proud to see one of their own grace the pitch on the international stage.
The 32-year-old time and time again has produced some moments of magic on The Oval pitch and should be considered an option.
Thomas has goals in his locker and has equalled his tally for last season with six fewer games played
CLAYTON GREEN (26): Barry Town United
Green was a shock inclusion to Jonah’s squad last year. He’s a midfielder you don’t appreciate until you pay close attention to the job that he does.
Green is a neat and tidy player that adds some grit to the midfield.
ELIOT EVANS (28): Cardiff Metropolitan
Jonah’s trusted talisman. The Cardiff Met attacker has had more responsibility placed upon him this season, following the departure of Adam Roscrow.
He’s been included in the last two squads and started both, so expect to see Evans involved again.
JAMES DAVIES (29): Cefn Druids
His best goal return in the Cymru Premier, Davies has scored nine times in 21 appearances this season.
He’ll be in competition with Eliot Evans and Henry Jones for a starting berth, should be included.
CURTIS JEMMETT-HUTSON (25): Penybont
Perhaps somewhat of a left-field call, Jemmett-Hutson has been impressive at times in the Cymru Premier this season.
Known for his trickery and pace, Jemmett-Hutson is a player Penybont will be glad to have at their disposal.
An option to consider off the bench if Jonah is hoping to tire down the full-backs?
Forwards:
CHRIS VENABLES (34): Bala Town
Chris Venables will be the first name on the team sheet barring an injury, given the form he’s been in this season.
The Bala Town skipper has 21 goals in 24 appearances, averaging a goal every 102 minutes.
Venables had been sitting in the midfield the last two games but he should now lead the line going forward, giving his goals return.
He has a case for being named captain too, given his service to the Cymru Premier.
LUKE BOWEN (31): Carmarthen Town
Last year Luke Bowen saw Carmarthen teammate Liam Thomas called up after a stellar season in front of goal.
Bowen’s importance to The Old Gold this season, popping up at the right times. He’s already beaten his tally for the past two seasons and is two off of his best tally of 14 in 2014/2015.
KAYNE MCLAGGON (29): Barry Town United
An identical scoring record to Bowen, McLaggon has experience of scoring against England.
The Barry forward has 12 goals in the Cymru Premier this season and will be one of those experienced forwards that Jonah looks to.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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