APPEARING SOON... THE NEXT YOUNG STARS READY TO STEP OFF WALES’ CONVEYER BELT OF TALENT
WALES ushered in a new generation of footballers with their eye-catching 4-1 victory over Republic of Ireland in which young talents Ethan Ampadu , Connor Roberts and David Brooks played starring roles.
Ryan Giggs’ bold approach paid off in stunning style in the Nations League clash, boding well for a bright future.
Everyone is talking about how the youngsters dazzled against a usually robust and obstinate Irish outfit, who were ultimately overpowered on the night.
But there are actually several young Wales stars who haven’t yet made the leap to senior international level, but it’s only a matter of time before we see them... REGAN POOLE Snapped up from Newport County by Manchester United not long after his 17th birthday, Cardiff-born starlet Poole has long been tipped for the top.
Like Ampadu, he can play as a centre-back or in midfield and has appeared for Wales at almost every age level.
Spent last season on-loan with Northampton Town, playing 22 games in League One under former Newport boss Justin Edinburgh, and has been included in Wales senior squads without getting his first cap just yet.
Poole has just turned 20 and will surely be given a chance by United legend Giggs in the near future. COLE DASILVA Brentford youngster Dasilva, 19, can qualify for both Brazil and England, as well as Wales, but has represented Welsh youth sides in recent years and looks to be a potential future Red Dragons’ star.
His brother Jay, who is currently on loan at Bristol City from Chelsea, picked England instead and has played five games for the Three Lions’ Under-21s side.
But in younger sibling Cole, Wales have a versatile full back who can play on either side and was highly rated at Stamford Bridge before moving across London to Brentford. JOE RODON Swansea City fans know all about Rodon after the young centre-back burst onto the scene earlier this season when Graham Potter found himself short of defensive options.
Rodon had previously captained the Swans’ Under-23 side and been highly rated in the Liberty Stadium youth set-up for some time.
Like Poole, Rodon is 20 and was in the Wales squad for their USA-based friendly against Mexico, but didn’t quite make it onto the pitch.
With Ashley Williams surely nearing the twilight of his international career and Giggs choosing to leave James Chester out of his side against Ireland, Rodon could be the next cab off the rank if he continues his stellar Swansea form. CAMERON COXE A year ago, many onlookers believed Cardiff right-back Coxe was ahead of his Swansea counterpart Connor Roberts in the race to succeed Chris Gunter as Wales’ long-term right back.
Coxe is still just 19 years old and has the stature and physicality needed for top level football. But despite getting games for Wales Under-21s, the Merthyr-born hasn’t broken through at Cardiff City Stadium just yet.
It may only be a matter of time, however, with Coxe another who travelled with Wales for their friendly against Mexico but is still awaiting his senior debut.