Don’t forget about me! Ledley insists he hasn’t quit international side
JOE Ledley’s mind will no doubt flash back to Lille when he sits down in front of the TV to watch Wales launch their World Cup campaign in Belgium tonight.
The 34-year-old was an integral part of the Wales team that reached the semi-finals at the 2016 Euro finals in France and currently has 77 caps to his name.
Now that he has found a way back into the Football League with an initial short-term contract at Newport County, he has a message for Wales boss Ryan Giggs and his current stand-in, Rob Page – “I haven’t retired from international football.”
Anyone prepared to write him off as too old and past it to return to his former glories should think again.
He is deadly serious about maximising the time he has left in a career that took him to an FA Cup final with Cardiff City, a Premier League contract at Crystal Palace and three Premiership titles and a Scottish Cup triumph at Celtic.
“Age is just a number and the Newport kit man gave me a squad number that is exactly my age, 34. You can go on to your forties these days – just look at Ryan Giggs,” said Ledley.
“I only turned 34 two months ago and I intend to go out and enjoy every game as if it is my last one. We will see what happens.”
Ledley made his County debut at Cardiff City Stadium last weekend as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Leyton Orient, playing in the back three after an injury to
Matty Dolan. It was his first competitive game since returning from Australia at the end of last summer after a brief period playing for Newcastle Jets in the A league.
So, how realistic is an international return for a man who used to provide the bedrock in Chris Coleman’s Welsh midfield?
“I’ve not retired from Wales. It is a bit early to start talking about getting a call-up, I need to play a few games, but if they need me I’m here,” he said.
“I love playing for my country, it is the greatest honour ever. The team are doing amazingly well at the moment, especially the younger ones who have come into the squad.
“There was big pressure on them to qualify for the Euros and they did it, which was fantastic. Hopefully, I’ll get the opportunity to put on the Welsh top on again, if not I’m delighted with what I’ve done for my nation.
“I’m close friends with Wayne Hennessey and Gareth Bale and I’m in touch with them on a regular basis.
“We were always together, always messing around and always laughing – that’s what you need in teams.
“It is important to have that sort of character and bonding. It goes a long way and that’s what I always tried to bring to the table.”