Youngsters ready for big step-up

Wales’ emerging youngsters are ready to compete for first-team places, according to assistant manager Osian Roberts.

Ben Woodburn, Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks all impressed as secondhalf subs in Friday’s 2-0 friendly defeat to France.

The talented trio could now start against Panama in Cardiff tomorrow, with Wales boss Chris Coleman keen to give them further experience ahead of the 2020 European Championship qualifiers.

“We have got some younger generation players who have been with us for a while now behind the scenes,” Roberts said.

“They have trained well, worked well in camps and the next logical step for them is to take that into the field.

“They have always been in the plan and are now ready to take the next step.

“It strengthens the squad and could be seen as a new cycle.

“But at the same time we are certainly not discarding anyone because the average age is pretty low without the younger players.”

While Liverpool forward Woodburn won his fifth cap in Paris, Chelsea midfielder Ampadu and Sheffield United striker Brooks made debuts at the Stade de France.

Wales midfielder Andy King said of Ampadu: “He has an intelligent head on his shoulders.

“You can tell he is training with world-class players every day at Chelsea, whether that be with their first team or development.

“Each day in training he is learning from them, so that is only going to bode well for his future.”