Rhian Wilkinson names Wales squad ahead of Ukraine games

Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson has named her squad ahead of their European qualifying double header against Ukraine.

Overall, there are five changes from the squad that was announced for the games against Croatia and Kosovo last month. Safia Middleton-Patel and Carrie Jones return to the side after missing out with injuries last time out, while there are recalls for goalkeeper Poppy Soper, and forwards Olivia Francis and Tianna Teisar.

Soffia Kelly, Elena Cole, Mared Griffiths, Ania Denham, and Elise Hughes are the ones to miss out, and it’s the injury to Hughes that’s been the biggest talking point since the last camp.

The Championship’s top scorer tore her ACL right before the end of the season, and while Wilkinson says it’s a gut-wrenching blow for her and the team, there’s an opportunity for others to step up.

“This is football. Injuries happen, they’re obviously awful and upsetting, and in the women’s game ACL injuries are far too common at the moment. I’m very sad for Elise but also excited to hopefully have her back once we qualify for our first major tournament.

“But again, it gives opportunity to others. Kayleigh Barton is around, Mary McAteer has been here training with us, Olivia Francis can play in that position. Unfortunate setbacks can provide opportunities, and that’s what we have to focus on.”

Talk will now turn to who could take over that number nine role for not only for these two games, but for the rest of the campaign.

Kayleigh Barton is the most experienced of the possible candidates, but Mary McAteer is coming off the back of a solid first full season in the Championship with Sunderland, while Olivia Francis has had a stellar campaign with Manchester United’s U21 team.

It’s an interesting debate to see if Wilkinson chooses youth over experience, and the manager is going to keep fans on their toes for a little while longer.

“This is why we have a training camp leading into these games to make sure players are ready. There’s a physical readiness, the mental readiness, and that’s where we have to be careful and nurture these players and not push them too early too quickly.

“For me, age in sport is, I wouldn’t say irrelevant, but some players are ready for senior football at 15 while others are ready at 25. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and I don’t really care how old a player is.

“If you’re able to deliver and fit in into that sort of culture, then you’re ready to step onto the field for your country.”

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The Ladd conundrum

The big positive going in Wilkinson’s favour heading into these games is that the vast majority of her players are playing consistently at their level. At home and abroad, Welsh players have had great years.

Yet, up in Manchester, the same can’t be said about Hayley Ladd. Having played in all but one WSL game last season, she has only featured eleven times in the league this season; a big drop off for such a talented player.

Wilkinson is certainly bemused by Ladd’s lack of game time, as well as Gemma Evans’, and says questions will be asked if things don’t change.

“I’m newly arrived in this position, and I do find that situation strange. I know Hayley is a top player that can play across many different positions; I think against Kosovo she played centre-back, as a six, an eight, and maybe even a ten, and she played at a very impressive level.

“I don’t know why she’s not playing for Man United; it is a surprise. Gemma Evans also didn’t play much over the last weekend. These women have contracts coming up and United is a top team.

“As their international manager, of course I think they should be playing. I don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, but I’ll settle in and start asking those questions.”

Ukraine test

Wales can take a huge step in securing their place in the European Championship playoffs if they are to win both their games against Ukraine during this international window.

Having beaten Croatia and Kosovo last time out, Wales sit top of League B4 with six points out of six.

Ukraine suffered a surprise defeat against Croatia and sit three points behind Wales. Therefore, two wins for Wales in this camp would leave them right on the cusp of the playoffs.

Despite their defeat, Wilkinson is still aware of the threats Ukraine pose, and is prepared for two tough games.

“I thought Ukraine had a more dominant display than Croatia in that game, but that’s football, results can go different ways. Ukraine will be a good test and a new team for us to prepare for, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.

“We’ve set a standard, but there’s a lot we need to improve on. These games are important for me to bed in my philosophies and ideas so the players can get used to my style and to get used to each other. This is all in preparation for the playoffs, and this is a new opportunity for us to raise that bar.”

Wales will play Ukraine at home first on Friday May 31^st in Llanelli, before travelling to Poland to take on the same opposition on Tuesday June 4^th.

WALES SQUAD TO FACE UKRAINE

Olivia Clark (Bristol City), Laura O’Sullivan (Cardiff City Ladies), Safia Middleton-Patel (Watford), Poppy Soper (Ipswich Town)

Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Josie Green (Leicester City), Hayley Ladd (Manchester United), Gemma Evans (Manchester United), Mayzee Davies (Manchester United), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City)

Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Alice Griffiths (Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (London City Lionesses), Rachel Rowe (Rangers), Carrie Jones (Bristol City), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign)

Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Ellen Jones (Sunderland), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Olivia Francis (Manchester United), Tianna Teisar (Cardiff City Ladies)

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)