Swansea City starlet sends Wales rallying cry for “must-win” Ireland clash
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - 17 MAY 2023: Wales' Iwan Morgan during the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group A fixture between Hungary & Wales at the Hidegkuti Nandor Stadium, Budapest, Hungry. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)
Iwan Morgan says he is full of confidence as Wales look to kickstart their 2023 U17 Euros campaign in a “must-win” game against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
Wales suffered a 3-0 loss against tournament hosts Hungary on Wednesday and currently sit third in Group A, above Ireland on goal difference, after they also lost their opening game against Poland 5-1.
Wales had plenty of chances in their first youth international tournament fixture since 1981, with Joe Hatch heading two opportunities off target and Morgan striking the post midway through the first half.
The 17-year-old forward has been in red-hot form for club and country this season, having scored eight times in his first six games for Wales U17 side and a pile of goals for Swansea’s youth sides this term.
“I’ve got loads of confidence. I didn’t get many opportunities against Hungary, but that hasn’t really knocked my confidence. I hit the post, but I know that on another day that chance goes in.
“That’s football, you’re not always going to score. My confidence is always high because I back myself to put the ball in the back of the net when that chance comes. Hopefully, I can do that this time.”
With only two more games to register enough points to reach the knock out stages, Morgan feels it’s vital for Wales to bounce back with a victory against Ireland tomorrow.
“It’s a must-win. On Wednesday the luck wasn’t on our side. We dominated some aspects of the game against Hungary, but that’s football unfortunately.
“We all want to do well. We have good characters in this squad and the coaches will help us get ready to bounce back on Saturday.
“We have just got to focus on our performance first of all, the result can come after. We have to make sure we leave everything on the pitch and do everything right, hopefully, the result will show that.”
Having only made his Cymru debut back in February, in a friendly match against Israel, the Cardiff-born youngster is still adjusting to life on international duty.
“I haven’t really experienced anything like this before. This is only my second time coming away with Wales.
“Hopefully this can help me further down the line if I keep progressing through the ages. I’m enjoying it so far.
With international football, there are long periods of downtime when players aren’t preparing for their next game on the training field.
As a result, Wales have their own section of the hotel, which they share with five other teams competing at Euro 2023, where players can relax and shift their minds away from football.
“It’s quite hard after games because you’ve got to find the right balance of when to rest. Playing against someone like Hungary takes a lot out of you.
“It’s good that we have got our own area because it helps you take your mind away from football.
“Even though we are in a competitive tournament, sometimes you need to relax and take your mind away from the game otherwise you can overthink stuff. If we can stay nice and relaxed then we should be all good.”
Craig Knight’s side had to deal with an unfamiliarly boisterous atmosphere inside the Hideguki Nándor Stadion during their first group stage match.
Over 3,500 Hungary fans were in attendance making for an ambience not often found during a youth team fixture, something which the Cymru boss believes will aid the squad’s development for the future.
That atmosphere will likely not be present as Wales take on Ireland at the 3,816-capacity Pancho Aréna with only a small contingent of Welsh and Irish fans and family in Hungary for the tournament.
“It was a great experience playing in front of that crowd,” Morgan added, reflecting on the opening game.
“We have never experienced anything like that and it’s not something that players our age are going to come up against often. That is something that as players we want to experience consistently.
“We all want to do well, but the main thing is if we can get our performances right, individually and as a team.
“I think being back in familiar surroundings will suit us because our family and supporters will be there.
“We have got to focus on what we have to do on the pitch because that’s the most important thing for us to try and get the win, which can hopefully help get us through to the next stage.”
