Wales interim manager Jon Grey has named five uncapped players, as he picks his squad to face the Republic of Ireland at the end of the month.
Five players from the U19 side have been called up to the friendly in Dublin, which will be played at the end of this month.
Amongst the names called up are London City Lionesses’ Lois Joel, Charlton’s Tegan McGowan, Cardiff City Ladies’ Tianna Teisar, and Manchester United’s Mayzee Davies.
Three of Wales’ U17s will also join up with the squad in Ireland to train alongside the first team. Those players are Soffia Kelly, Mared Griffiths, and Elena Cole.
“We’ve got a lot of new players in this camp.
“Lois Joel is joining us and that has been a process we’ve followed closely. She’s come across from England where she played for the age group teams. She came here for a camp in September, just to see if she liked the environment here and if she fitted in. She did really well in that camp, and we’re delighted that she’s chosen to come with us.
“Tegan McGowan is another one. Tegan has come through the ranks here in Wales, and I’ve been to watch her at Charlton a couple of times, and she’s made a real impact there. She’s just come back from a long-term injury as well.
“Then there’s younger players as well that we’ve brought in from the U19s and U17s, and we want them to experience this environment.”
Another name who has been called up to the senior squad for the first time is Man United’s Liv Francis.
Francis made a name for herself with Adran Premier side Pontypridd United, before securing a move to Old Trafford.
Grey believes her call up highlights once again that it’s possible for anyone in the Adran Leagues to play for the Wales senior team.
“If you’re good enough, whatever level you’re playing at, you’ll find your way in this game.
“There are players who are good enough in the Adran Leagues to make those steps to the first team, and once they get an opportunity, it’s about showcasing themselves week in and week out and working their way up. There’s definitely talented players out there across the leagues.
“We’re delighted with how Liv has been in the U19 camps and it’s a really good opportunity for her to come in and showcase herself to the other players and for us as a coaching staff.”
Grey as new manager?
Of course, this will be the first time Wales have played a game since Gemma Grainger departed to take over as Norway manager.
Grey was surprised to be in the position he finds himself in but is incredibly proud to be taking the role as interim manager.
“It was a little bit of a shock with Gemma’s departure, but good coaches get good opportunities. Gemma thought it was the right thing and the Norwegian team thought Gemma was there.
“It is a surprise that I’m sitting here but I’m honoured and privileged to be here, not only for myself but for my family as well. We’ve wished Gemma all the best, but we’ve moved on.”
With Grey now the man in focus, perhaps people will assume he is a contender for taking the role permanently.
Grey was tight lipped over whether or not he’d be interested in being Grainger’s successor, but says it was an honour to be linked to the role.
“Of course, it’s flattering to be linked to such a prestigious role, but I think it would be a little unfair of me to say if I was interested. My focus is on this next camp, myself, the staff around me and the players. We want to take each game as it comes.”
For now, Grey will have full control of the squad, but says there won’t be a massive overhaul in tactics against the Irish.
“As far as I’m concerned, nothing was broken, so I’m not here to fix anything. There will be continuity, but there will be some tweaks to the playing style. Every coach has their own way of playing but there won’t be massive changes.”
Alongside Grey in the dugout will be Helen Ward and James Rowberry, two people the Swansea-born interim manager is delighted to have alongside him.
“I’ve spoken to both Helen and James and they’re both excited to come in and help out for this camp.
“James has got a lot of experience in the men’s game, been a manager in the Football League and has worked at first team level.
“Helen has got a vast amount of experience of playing at this level, knows exactly what it takes, and what’s required on a daily basis. But she’s also able to give us a player’s perspective as a member of staff which is really important.”
Wales will play the Republic of Ireland in a friendly at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday 27th February. Kick-off is at 19:30
WALES SQUAD TO FACE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Olivia Clark (Bristol City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Watford), Laura O’Sullivan (Cardiff City Ladies)
Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Josie Green (Leicester City), Hayley Ladd (Manchester United), Gemma Evans (Manchester United), Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign)
Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Alice Griffiths (Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (London City Lionesses), Rachel Rowe (Rangers), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Carrie Jones (Bristol City)
Kayleigh Barton (Charlton), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Tegan McGowan (Charlton), Tianna Teisar (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia Francis (Manchester United), Mayzee Davies (Manchester United)
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