Uncapped Leeds United and Liverpool players named as Craig Bellamy announces first 24-man Wales squad

Previously uncapped players Karl Darlow and Owen Beck have been announced in Craig Bellamy’s first squad as Wales National Team manager.

Darlow, who is currently playing for Championship side Leeds United qualifies via relation to 1958 FIFA World Cup squad member Ken Leek, who himself made 15 appearances for Wales.

The 33-year old shot stopper has been on the radar of the national team set-up for a number of years with the FAW originally trying to involve him in 2013 and 2018 but he turned down the opportunity on both occasions.

The position has been an area of concern in recent years with a lack of senior options available. Former number one Wayne Hennessey is currently a free agent and recovering from a long-term injury, with current first choice Danny Ward only playing a total of 47 club games since joining Leicester City in 2018.

The goalkeeping department will include newly announced coach Martin Margetson who rejoins the Welsh setup after previous involvement with the England National Team.

Former Wales captain Craig Bellamy takes over as boss

Swansea City player Ollie Cooper and Oxford United’s Mark Harris have been recalled after more than a year out of the squad alongside Nantes loanee Sorba Thomas who has missed out on recent camps.

There are also places for Joe Rodon, Kieffer Moore, Jordan James and Lewis Koumas who have all recently made moves in the summer transfer window. Koumas who has moved on loan to Stoke City from parent club Liverpool has had a strong start to his campaign including a goal and assist in their Caraboa Cup win last night.

There is no place in the squad for Joe Low, Charlie Savage and Rubin Colwill as they are expected to join the under-21 set up managed by Matty Jones, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the FAW.

The full squad announced; Danny WARD (Leicester City), Adam DAVIES (Sheffield United), Karl DARLOW (Leeds United), Ben DAVIES (Tottenham Hotspur), Owen BECK (Blackburn Rovers – On loan from Liverpool), Joe RODON (Leeds United), Chris MEPHAM (Bournemouth), Ben CABANGO (Swansea City), Neco WILLIAMS (Nottingham Forest), Connor ROBERTS (Burnley), Jordan JAMES (Stade Rennais), Ethan AMPADU (Leeds United), Josh SHEEHAN (Bolton Wanderers), Aaron RAMSEY (Cardiff City), Ollie COOPER (Swansea City), Sorba THOMAS (Nantes – On loan from Huddersfield Town), Kieffer MOORE (Sheffield United), Lewis KOUMAS (Stoke City – On loan from Liverpool), Brennan JOHNSON (Tottenham Hotspur), Harry WILSON (Fulham), Daniel JAMES (Leeds United), Mark HARRIS (Oxford United), Liam CULLEN (Swansea City), Rabbi MATONDO (Rangers).

Craig Bellamy will take charge for the first time on the 6th of September as Wales take on Türkiye in their opening Nations League fixture at The Cardiff City Stadium. Wales then travel to Nikšićon on the 9th for their second fixture against Montenegro.