Sheehan’s hoping the cap fits after call-up for Wales

JOSH Sheehan says he’s now ready for Wales six years after he first trained with Gareth Bale, writes Alex Bywater.

Uncapped Newport County midfielder Sheehan received a surprise international call-up this week for this month’s clashes with USA, Republic of Ireland, and Finland.

The former Swansea man, 25, has played every minute of Newport’s League Two and Carabao Cup games this season and has been in scintillating form.

He hopes to continue in the same way in County’s FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient today ahead of joining the Welsh camp next week.

“I don’t think I’ll be star struck – I’m there to do a job,” said Sheehan.

“When I was about 19 I trained with Wales so I’ve been in that environment before. It was under Chris Coleman before a game with Iceland when Bale scored that goal from halfway.

“I was only young then, but now it’s six years later I’m ready. From when I was a little boy growing up to now seeing people I know in the team, I’ve always dreamed of showing what I can do in the Welsh shirt. I’ve always believed in myself and my ability and it just shows it’s never too late.”

Sheehan has guided Newport to the top of League Two and his manager Mike Flynn admits the player is too good to be playing in the fourth tier.

Call-ups for Sheehan and goalkeeper Tom King mean County have two players in the Wales squad for the first time since 1983.

Sheehan has waited 25 years for a Wales call, but had to stay silent for another week after first hearing he might be in the selection mix.

Suspended Wales manager Ryan Giggs had watched Sheehan in action against Newcastle United in September and decided to give him a chance, but he won’t be in charge for the upcoming games.

Giggs has stepped down after his arrest for allegedly assaulting girlfriend Kate Greville with Robert Page taking over as the man in charge.

“I heard this time last week there was a chance I was going to be called up. It was just a case then of waiting for it to be official,” said Sheehan.

“At first I thought there was a chance it was a wind-up, but then somebody from Wales got in touch so I knew then that it would have to be a good joke if they were carrying that on!

“The only people I told were my parents and my partner. They wanted to tell the world, but they had to keep it quiet. I’m buzzing. To play for your national team is what you dream of as a kid.”

Sheehan played with Wales regulars Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon and Daniel James at Swansea and was also in the same Yeovil team as striker Kieffer Moore. He knows Tom Lockyer and Harry Wilson from the junior Welsh age groups and is in contention to make his senior debut against the USA at the ground he first called home – Swansea’s Liberty Stadium. “Maybe it’s just written to do that, but I don’t mind where it is – to play for Wales would just be an honour,” Sheehan said.

“Every player has the ambition to play at as high a level as possible.

“I want to show what I can do as you only have a short career.”