Gavin Chesterfield and Rhys Griffiths give their verdict on Doidge’s Wales

Gavin Chesterfield and Rhys Griffiths have agreed with calls for Christian Doidge to be included in the Wales squad.

Doidge scored his 18th goal of the season on Saturday as he continued to plead his case for a possible call-up to the Welsh national team.

Wales boss Ryan Giggs admitted exclusively to Y Clwb Pêl-Droed last month that Doidge was a player that was being closely monitored by him and his staff.

Someone who can provide Giggs with a glowing reference for Doidge is Gavin Chesterfield.

Boss of Barry Town United, Chesterfield worked with the Hibernian striker for two seasons before he joined Carmarthen Town, where his talents were recognised by the wider footballing world.

Asked if the 27-year-old should be called up, the Barry gaffer said: “In my mind, there’s no doubt having worked with him.

“I’m not telling Ryan what to do, that’s not my role but I look at him as a sponge for learning, the bigger the challenge, I think you’ll see the best of him. 

Having had the Newport-born striker for two years, Chesterfield saw many strengths in a forward who is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal. 

‘The best thing about Christian is that he carries lots of sort of artillery to his game.

“People look at his aerial strength, but really his hold-up play is excellent and he’s a better footballer than people give him credit for.”

Rhys Griffiths – a Cymru Premier legend for his goalscoring exploits – is another one of the leagues’ representatives who is making a claim for Doidge to be called up.

“He 100% deserves a call-up because he’s something different, he’s a box player and he is great in the air,” said the Penybont manager.

“He’s a good athlete. He can’t do any more than he’s doing.

A free-scoring forward like Doidge back in his day, Griffiths added: “No one will be more other than his friends and family and himself would be more thrilled than me.

“If he does get in, I think he won’t only get a call-up, once he gets a chance, I think he’ll stay in the squad.”

(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)