Wales C boss reveals stance after TNS pull players for SPFL Trust Trophy final with Airdrieonians
Carmarthen, Wales - 18 March, 2024: Mark Jones in training. Cymru C Training Session at Richmond Park on the 18th March 2024 ahead of their friendly against England. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Wales C manager Mark Jones admits a victory over England without any TNS players would be even ‘sweeter’.
The New Saints have already wrapped up the Cymru Premier title and are 26 points ahead of second-place Connah’s Quay. No current players from the Welsh champions are in the final squad though following two withdrawals.
Danny Davies and Connor Roberts, who have both played in the fixture withdrew last week and were replaced by Ryan Harrington and George Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe himself has had to pull out and has been replaced by Cardiff Met goalkeeper Alex Lang.
“I’d be lying if I said we weren’t going to miss them,” admitted Jones.
“We’re missing a quality goalkeeper. We might have picked three or four of them if they had been available.
“The boys have come in now and they have to take their chances. It might be an even sweeter victory without two or three of the best players in the league. It gives us that extra little bit.”
Both players featured for TNS at the weekend, playing in the 1-0 win over Newtown. TNS are taking a cautious approach ahead of their Scottish Challenge Cup final against Airdrieonians on Sunday, March 24.
Back-up goalkeeper Reece Thompson has not made the squad for the past few games and so in his place has been Development goalkeeper Henry Green.
The Oswestry side do not want to risk losing two of their key players ahead of what could be the first time a Scottish trophy is taken out of the country.
“I totally respect their call,” admitted the former Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot boss.
“They have only got one full-time goalkeeper there at the moment Connor Roberts and he’s got to be careful.
“Danny sometimes has a knee problem. I fully respect Craig Harrison’s call for his players. Our players and I have talked about it the last couple of days.
“All our players are right behind TNS and we want them to win the SPFL Trust Trophy.”
