RAMSEY’S RETURN!
STAR OUT OF ISOLATION TO BOOST WALES:
RETURNING Wales midfield ace Aaron Ramsey will hand Wales “a massive boost” for this afternoon’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland, says defender Ben Davies.
Juventus’ Ramsey, 29, missed Thursday’s 3-0 friendly loss to England having been part of the Italian club’s Covid-19 bubble following an outbreak.
He was forced to sit out last month’s Nations League games because of injury.
“Aaron is a world-class player,” said
Tottenham left-back Davies. “Having him in any team would boost you, that’s a fact.
“He gets on the ball, he’s very creative and always looks forward and to get a team up the pitch.”
Ramsey has long been one of Wales’ most influential players, scoring 16 goals in his 60 appearances and earning a place in Uefa’s Euro 2016 team of the tournament when Wales reached the semi-finals.
He has also been in fine form for Juventus, earning praise in Italy for his creative displays for the Serie A champions. A combination of fitness concerns and coronavirus-related unavailability means Ramsey has not played for Wales since November 2019.
On his most recent appearance, he scored both goals as Wales beat Hungary 2-0 to qualify for Euro 2020, which has since been postponed until next summer because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wales manager Ryan Giggs said: “Aaron brings that experience first and foremost – we have a young squad – and he brings that something different that can unlock defences. He’s got that ability to make the difference, which he did in our last qualifier against Hungary with his two goals.”
Meanwhile Giggs is ready to give Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham, both starters against England in midweek, right up until the last minute to prove their fitness for today’s clash.
Both are battling against knee problems but Giggs will give them every chance to be involved.
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