Former Cymru Premier defender included in Wales squad

Ryan Giggs has called up former Cymru Premier defender Ben Cabango to the Welsh national team.

Cabango is uncapped at senior level and could feature in Nations League fixtures against Bulgaria and Finland in September.

He is the only player in the squad who had experienced in playing in Wales’ top league, albeit a brief spell.

Cabango, 20, spent six months in the Welsh top flight with The New Saints, earning a Cymru Premier winners medal.

The Cardiff-born defender made 25 appearances for the Oswestry side and has scored a goal in Champions League qualifying for TNS. 

His spell in the Welsh system was cut short as he returned to parent club Swansea City, where he won the FAW Youth Cup against his former side.

Since then, he has gone on to feature in the first-team for the Swans, making 26 appearances in all competitions.

“I’ve known him a lot about with Pagey with the U21s,” revealed Giggs after calling up Cabango.

“Having had a fantastic end of the season with Swansea, I’m excited to work with him. I imagine they’ll play many games for Wales for years to come.”

Cabango is not the only uncapped player to be included in the squad. Both Dylan Levitt and Neco Williams have been named also by Ryan Giggs.

Dylan Levitt has been an unused substitute for Wales on three occasions but with an expected loan move in the pipeline, could force his way into the starting line up.

Williams meanwhile makes the step up from the Wales Under-19s squad, with Welsh bosses now keen to tie down the Wrexham born defender to Wales.

Commenting on the call-up, manager Ryan Giggs said: “From speaking to Neco, I think he’s the most capped U19s player for Wales.

“Every time I’ve communicated with him he’s been keen to speak for Wales. I’ve never seen any problems. 

“It’s never cropped up in our conversations and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The 19-year-old, who most recently signed a five-year deal with Liverpool after winning the Premier League, had interest from England, but a competitive appearance from the right-back would see him capped to Wales.

Elsewhere, despite being uncontracted, both Ashley Williams and Chris Gunter have been included.

Williams’ contract with Bristol City expired with the Robins earlier this summer and despite contract talks, he has yet to sign a new deal with the Robins.

Gunter meanwhile left Reading after eight years of the Madjeski Stadium but hasn’t joined a new club.

There is also a recall for Hal Robson-Kanu, who returns to the Welsh setup after a two-year exile.

The 31-year-old last made an appearance for Wales in October 2017, when Wales lost 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier. 

Robson-Kanu called time on his international career in August 2018 but made himself available for selection earlier this year.

Wales squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies

Defenders: Chris Gunter, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Tom Lockyer, Ethan Ampadu, James Lawrence, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams.

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey, Jonathan Williams, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Matthew Smith, Daniel James, Will Vaulks, Joe Morrell, Dylan Levitt.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu, Tyler Roberts, Rabbi Matondo, Kieffer Moore.

(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)