The form of Hibernian’s Christian Doidge looked set to earn him a maiden Wales cap before lockdown but his Wales hopes may have been pushed back due to the Coronavirus…
Despite the distraction, the striker remains determined to “hit the same levels” for Hibs to stake a claim to be included in Ryan Giggs’ squad for the European Championship.
Doidge, 27, has been prolific in Scotland this season, scoring 16 goals in his last 23 appearances.
His goal-scoring abilities caught the eye of Wales manager Giggs, who revealed to us in February that Doidge was “on the radar” going into the international friendly fixtures.
Wales had been scheduled to face Austria, USA and the Netherlands before Euro 2020 was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, leaving Doidge uncapped.
Despite having to wait to put on the famous Welsh shirt, Doidge’s determination to play for his country remains.
The striker told Hibernian’s Club Website, “I was getting a bit of momentum this season, a lot of media coverage and there was a fair bit of talk about a Wales call-up.”
“My mentality is: I’ve got to do it again.”
“If I was close to a call-up, then I need to hit the same levels and get even closer when the football starts again.
“I never imagined I would even be in the conversation for a Wales call-up, especially when the Euros were approaching, so it has just given me more motivation to score goals and regain that form.”
Despite a level of uncertainty surrounding the resumption of football, if Doidge can replicate his form for Hibs going forward, the striker will earn an opportunity on the international stage.
(Featured Image: Barry Town United and Lewis Mitchell)
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