DRAGONS READY TO ROAR IN ENGLAND CLASH
WALES C manager Mark Jones says the clash with England C is one of the biggest games of their season.
Jones has selected an open age squad from the 12 Welsh Premier League clubs ahead of Tuesday night’s international friendly with NonLeague’s Three Lions.
The rivals met at Barry Town United 12 months ago where England ran out 3-2 winners in a thriller that Wales nearly levelled late on.
Jones says the game is a great advert for the WPL and they can’t wait to take on their National League counterparts.
“It was a big game for us last year and it’s a big game for us this year,” Jones told The NLP. “For our boys it’s a challenge because, and I don’t mean to overdo it, but England select from probably four times as many clubs as us.
“The response we’ve had from Wales is great. Everybody wants to be involved. It’s the biggest game of the year, apart from our Welsh Cup Final. At last year’s event everybody was proud to be involved and they are proud to be involved again.”
Fejiri Okenabirhie scored a hat-trick in their last meeting before landing a move to Shrewsbury Town in the summer.
“When I left the field last year I shook hands with that boy and said, ‘Son, good luck – I don’t think you’ll be playing against us next year!’ He was that good. He’s doing really well, he’s a lovely lad and good luck to him – I just hope they don’t produce another like that!”
Jones says his side are also looking forward to taking to the field at Salford’s Peninsula Stadium.
“We went up there about three months ago and met Gary Neville, who gave us a marvellous welcome,” Jones said. “He wished us good luck and said he’s pleased to have us at their ground – we’ll do the best we can.”