“Home Grown” Stars Can Shine for Wales at the European Championship

The relative success of Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County has found welcome recognition on the international stage.

Down the years, we often saw some selections from our home-based clubs: Alan Curtis of Swansea, Phil Dwyer from Cardiff and, of course, the Prince of Wales, Arfon Griffiths from Wrexham.

When I first began following Wales in the 70s though, the main men in the team came largely from the big English clubs. Toshack of Liverpool, Yorath from Leeds. These were joined by representatives from Swindon, Birmingham City and Burnley.

The trend continued through the 80s, when Rush, Ratcliffe, Hughes and Southall were regular selections, ensuring that Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United continued to dominate the line-up.

These days though, the claim to be “first name on the team sheet” probably lies closer to home.

Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore leads the way, with 20 league goals for the Bluebirds this year and five in total at international level. He has made himself virtually irreplaceable for both club and country. Harry Wilson has also sparkled for the capital side this year, chipping in some spectacular goals. Cardiffians will be licking their lips at the prospect of these two lining up alongside Cardiff-born Gareth Bale and former Bluebird Aaron Ramsey.

Further west, Swansea City have enjoyed a remarkable season. Neath-born Connor Roberts has dazzled at wing-back for the Swans and must be a certainty to line up alongside former teammate Joe Rodon. Ben Cabango should also add to his three caps to date.

For the future, I fancy Brandon Cooper too, now back at the Liberty having impressed on loan at Newport County. Let’s hope that Swansea’s Pontypridd-born boss Steve Cooper gives the robust defender from Porthcawl plenty of first team opportunities next season.

Talk of “the County” leads me to pay tribute to the wonderful achievements of Mike Flynn, the manager who has contributed so much to the recent success of his hometown team. That success has also been recognised at international level, with Josh Sheehan winning recognition as a County player. Goalkeeper Tom King also received his first call-up to the Wales squad in November 2019.

Its great to see so many home-based guys featuring in the national side. There are also other names to watch for – Mark Harris at Cardiff, Lewis Collins at Newport (brother of the talented Aaron Collins of Forest Green Rovers.) Aaron Lewis has also impressed at Newport.

For me, this sums up the whole appeal of international football. Watching Wales has always given me great pride. All of our clubs have made great progress in ensuring greater Welsh representation in their successful first teams lately. With Wrexham waiting eagerly in the wings too, these are certainly exciting times for club fans who also follow the national side.

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