Wales’ Jordan is Page turner
ROB PAGE says Wales have found an “absolute gem” in Jordan James to help fill the void left by Gareth Bale’s retirement.
The 18-year-old Birmingham City star could have lined up for England after representing the Three Lions at Under-20s level.
But instead, the teenager followed his father’s Welsh roots and made his senior debut a year ago and is set to be named today in Page’s squad for this month’s one-leg Euro 2024 playoff semi-final against Finland.
The midfielder has since made eight appearances for his country and boss Page feels he has all the attributes to be a key player for years to come.
“I put my faith in him. Not only is he a good footballer but he’s a good lad,” Page said.
“And if you’re going to succeed out in Europe, if you’re going to have a chance, you’ve got to tick all of the boxes. He ticks the boxes.
Bright
“Life after Gareth
Bale, it’s not going to be easy. We knew that.
“We lost some big players, we’re introducing some younger players and we’ve found an absolute gem in JJ, and Brennan as well. So the future is bright.”
Wales welcome Finland to Cardiff on March 21 after qualifying third from their group behind Turkey and Croatia.
A victory would see them progress into the final five days later, again on home soil, against the winners of Poland versus Estonia, for a chance to play in the summer tournament.
“If someone would’ve said to us after the retirement of Gareth Bale, after the World Cup, we’ll be going into March two wins away from qualifying for a major tournament we would’ve taken it.“
This will be the first time that Lockyer, who also suffered heart trouble during last season’s Championship play-off final, has travelled with the Hatters since his brush with death. Both clubs are treating it as a special occasion.
Class
A cheque made up of contributions from Luton and Bournemouth fans will be presented to the British Heart Foundation.
And the Bournemouth Supporters Trust, with help from the parent club, are paying for coach travel for Hatters fans after December’s match was abandoned.
Luton boss Rob Edwards said: “That shows a lot of class from them and it’s a big thank you from me and our