Charlie Savage stays with Wales squad after 'dream' debut against Gibraltar
- Published
Charlie Savage left Manchester United to join League One club Reading this summer
Euro 2024 qualifying: Wales v Croatia |
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Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Sunday, 15 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST |
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text |
Highlights: Match of the Day Wales, BBC One Wales from 22:30 BST and later on demand |
Charlie Savage savoured a "dream" Wales debut that led to boss Robert Page changing his mind and keeping him with the senior squad for Sunday's crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Croatia.
Savage, 20, impressed in the 4-0 win over Gibraltar with his father, ex-Wales midfielder Robbie, in the stands.
He was scheduled to rejoin the Under-21 squad but will now stay with the senior group, as will defender Joe Low.
"I can't believe it really, a dream come true," said Savage.
Having provided the assist for the first of two Kieffer Moore goals, the Reading midfielder added: "The game plan was stick it on his head and that's why I did.
"He got two nice headers and I thought he might have a hat-trick, which would have been nice for him."
Wednesday's friendly victory against Gibraltar was played in Wrexham, where Robbie was born and raised.
"For me to be here with his grandma and his family was amazing," the former Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder told BBC Radio Wales after watching his son's debut.
"He deserves it. League One is different, but tonight was the perfect game for him, utilising his passing and he was magnificent.
"His grandma lives in Wrexham, I was brought up here and it's the first time she's really been out of the house because of Covid and a hip operation. His grandad would have loved to be here.
"The spotlight has been greater on him because he is my son and people have wanted him to fail.
"He's been brought up in an affluent area and had a good education, but he's humble and he's dedicated.
"He doesn't go out and he doesn't drink, he's a lovely, humble young man dedicated to the sport."
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Page, who played alongside Robbie for Wales, confirmed Charlie would stay with the senior squad for Sunday's key encounter with Croatia.
Wales are fourth in their Euro 2024 qualifying group with three games left, with little or no room for error between now and the end of their campaign next month.
"We'll keep Sav and Joe and that's not just off the back of that performance tonight. They've done themselves a world of good," said Page.
"With the injuries we've got, Sav's earned the right to be with us and big Joe, I've got a lot of time for him. Keeping them in the squad will benefit us.
"He [Savage] has taken my advice and left [Manchester United for Reading]. It must have been hard for him. I spoke to Rob, who had to leave United to go to Crewe. It's no different for Charlie.
"He did it because he's playing week in week out in competitive football. He trains as he plays and has personality. We blocked Robbie from speaking to him all week, which was a big achievement.
"Joking aside, Rob has got his back, he'll look after him. He's got his feet on the ground.
"Sav's best position is an old-fashioned box-to-box eight. The ball for Kieffer was first-class, right on his head. He showed he can do both sides of it and he's a great talent."
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