Mark ‘Jonah’ Jones will name his Cymru C squad shortly to face England C at Altrincham’s Moss Lane later this month.
The former Carmarthen Town manager and Sgorio commentator is taking the reins for the fourth time. It’s tied at one-win apiece and a draw and on March 21, Cymru have the chance to take the bragging rights, but they will come up against an England side that boasts several players touted for a move to the Football League.
Rival boss Paul Fairclough has named a 25-man squad that will be whittled down to 16 on Saturday, and the Welsh squad announcement is to follow shortly. The Three Lions have all 24 clubs in the National League represented in their preliminary squad with all players under the age of 25 years old and only one survivor from the last squad.
Last year, Jonah named a squad of 20 players to face the old enemy and a large chunk of that squad should be expected to play again. Man-of-the-match Will Evans earned a move to Newport County and now all eyes will be on who can follow in his footsteps in to the professional game.
Alex Ramsay has been goalkeeper for the last two internationals and Connor Roberts will be called up alongside him, with the latter deserving of a start in the fixture. Roberts was once a substitute for the Welsh senior team in a friendly against the Netherlands in 2014 and should take his place between the sticks.
An injury to Mael Davies suffered in this fixture probably scuppered a move to the Football League, and cost him the chance of playing in the Welsh Cup final with Penybont. Davies is one of the most gifted players in the division and should be considered once more. He could be joined by two teammates in the Welsh set-up for the first time with Josh Yorwerth and Dan Jefferies surely up for consideration. Jefferies has been consistent for the Bont for the last few years, whilst Yorwerth has returned from a playing ban and has been part of a Penybont defence that is solid. Kane Owen, who can influence a game from left-back, is also expected to be involved and is one of the first names on the team sheet.
As for other defensive options, Nathan Peate is one of Bala’s leading defenders and is chasing double glory this season after winning the Nathaniel MG Cup and reaching the Welsh Cup final. Emlyn Lewis, who captained the side last year is a key component of a Cardiff Met team that shocked the league by getting into the top six. Danny Davies played at right centre-back, but can play at left-back and primarily at right-back, so he is a versatile option to have.
In midfield there isn’t much change with Pontypridd United’s enforcer Clayton Green once more. Aeron Edwards scored twice in last season’s fixture and is one of the best players in the history of the Cymru Premier. New Saints’ Leo Smith and Met’s Tom Price were both included last year and are both good options whilst Lewis Harling has recovered from injury to potentially earn a place. A new name to consider is Ryan Reynolds, who has scored six goals in 23 appearances for Rhys Griffiths’ side this season.
For the first time since the ‘C’ fixture returned, Cymru are likely to call on a player outside of the Cymru Premier. Kayne McLaggon was relegated with Barry Town United last year but despite receiving offers from top-tier clubs, remained loyal to his hometown club and this season has 25 goals and five assists in 23 matches, showing that class is permanent. The 32-year-old has scored against England before, netting in a 2-2 draw in Salford and his experience could be key.
Ben Ahmun and Jordan Davies are tied as the highest-scoring Welshman in the Cymru Premier, and should both for sure be considered for a call-up. Ahmun isn’t just your traditional number nine that can win flick-ons, he’s also good with his feet and is enjoying a career-best campaign in the top flight. As for Davies, he’s shown potential and is the Bluebirds’ talisman and is enjoying a good season.
Completing the attack is Nathan Wood, who is highly sought after, but a preferred formation of wing-backs makes it difficult to include him in a likely starting line-up.
Predicted Wales C squad to face England on March 21
Goalkeepers: Alex Ramsay (Bala Town) and Connor Roberts (The New Saints)
Defenders: Kane Owen (Penybont), Mael Davies (Penybont), Josh Yorwerth (Penybont), Danny Davies (The New Saints), Nathan Peate (Bala Town), Emlyn Lewis (Cardiff Met), Daniel Jefferies (Penybont), Ryan Sears (Newtown)
Midfielders: Clayton Green (Pontypridd United), Leo Smith (The New Saints), Aeron Edwards (Connah’s Quay), Tom Price (Cardiff Met), Ryan Reynolds (Penybont), Lewis Harling (Penybont)
Forwards: Ben Ahmun (Pontypridd United), Kayne McLaggon (Barry Town United), Nathan Wood (Penybont), Jordan Davies (Haverfordwest County)
Predicted Wales XI: (3-5-2): Roberts; M.Davies, D.Davies, Lewis, Jefferies, Owen; Green, Smith, Edwards; Ahmun, McLaggon,
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