Elliot Thorpe called-up to Under-21s as Bodin leaves door open for Colwill
Rubin Colwill of Cardiff City in action against Taff's Well. Cardiff City v Taffs Well at USW Sports Park in the Nathanial MG Cup on the 11th December 2020 Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Rubin Colwill has missed out on being called up to the Wales Under-21 squad after being named in the seniors warm-weather training camp.
The Cardiff City youngster is a part of the senior team’s Euro 2020 training camp in Portugal.
“Rubin’s gone away with the first team which is fantastic,” said Cymru U21 boss Bodin. “I was with him last week in the EFL pre camp and he did exceptionally well.”
“He’s caught the eye of the senior staff and fully deserves to go to Portugal with them.”
Colwill made his U21 debut as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly loss against the Republic of Ireland in March.
The 19-year-old has featured six times in the Championship this season for the Bluebirds, starting in their last three games.
Bodin hasn’t ruled out Colwill rejoining the U21 squad: “If things go well Rubin may stay with the first team which is a fantastic experience for him.
“He could come back into my squad, we can increase the number slightly.
“If he’s ready and available and isn’t not going to be involved with the first team then he’ll step back in with.”
Included in the squad for the first time are Swansea defender Cameron Evans and Tottenham midfielder Elliot Thorpe.
“I went to watch Elliot recently. He’s a late developer but a tremendous talent,” Bodin commented about the 20-year-old.
“He always looked quite young for his age but he’s grown as it 6 ft 1 now, and a real talent.
“I saw him score two goals recently against Liverpool at Spurs’ new stadium.
“Both Elliot and Cameron deserve their opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing them on grass next week.”
Thorpe has reportedly been subject to interest from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim and FA Cup winners Leicester in recent weeks.
George Ratcliffe, Brandon Cooper and Christian Norton have all missed out on the squad through injury.
Also included is Newport forward Lewis Collins who will be hoping to help the Exciles to promotion in the League Two play off final on May 31.
Cymru will be aiming to start their U21 Euro qualifying campaign on a high note against Moldova on 4 June at Steboneath Park.
Bodin’s side have previously beaten Moldova 3-0 at the Racecourse ground last November in the previous qualification campaign.
Wales U21 squad
Lewis WEBB (Swansea City), Nathan SHEPPERD (Brentford), Daniel BARDEN (Norwich
City), Billy SASS-DAVIES (Yeovil Town- On loan from Crewe Alexandra), Morgan BOYES (Liverpool),
Ben MARGETSON (Cardiff City), Eddy JONES (Stoke City), Cameron EVANS (Waterford- On loan from
Swansea City), Fin STEVENS (Brentford), Niall HUGGINS (Leeds United), Terry TAYLOR (Burton
Albion), Sam BOWEN (Cardiff City), Siôn SPENCE (Crystal Palace), Sam PEARSON (Bristol City), Joe
ADAMS (Brentford), Luke JEPHCOTT (Plymouth Argyle), Lewis COLLINS (Newport County), Elliot
THORPE (Tottenham Hotspur), Rhys HUGHES (Everton), Jack VALE (Blackburn Rovers), Ryan STIRK
(Birmingham City)
Due to Covid 19 restrictions the match will be played behind closed doors with coverage available on S4C or on our website.
Not a single Welsh Premier League player chosen anywhere. after some impressive performances from some younger players this season.
Shame on you, Bodin.