Uefa Nations League: Hannah Cain back in Wales squad for Germany and Denmark games
- Published
Gemma Grainger was appointed as Wales women's manager in 2021 while Robert Page has been in charge of the men's side since 2020
Gemma Grainger has the full backing of Robert Page to transform Wales' fortunes in their Nations League double header against Germany and Denmark.
Grainger's side were beaten 1-0 by Iceland in their campaign opener before suffering a 5-1 loss to Denmark.
But the Wales women's boss says Page offered her words of encouragement in September, following his own struggles with the men's side.
"He [Page] was the first person I saw after the Denmark game," said Grainger.
"He was in the tunnel talking to me saying he knows where we're going as a team and he's backing me as much as I'm backing him.
"For us as an association, that's a really strong position for us because we are completely aligned in terms of how we work together."
Leicester City forward Hannah Cain is back in the Wales squad having missed last month's camp through injury.
Jess Fishlock and captain Sophie Ingle are also included along with the uncapped Reading midfielder Josie Longhurst.
Wales visit Germany on Friday, 27 October and Denmark four days later.
Grainger's side are in the top tier of the competition, with Germany the number one seeds in Group A3.
The Germans lost their first game in the competition to Denmark, before thrashing Iceland 4-0.
'Rob and I are in the same position, we work very closely' - Wales boss Gemma Grainger
Grainger says the standard in the group makes it ideal preparation for her Wales side as they target a place at Euro 2025.
"For me, it's about facing these teams and learning what we need to learn now to help us qualify for a European Championships," Grainger added.
"Germany are one of the best teams in the world, so for us to test ourselves again at that level is something we've never done before.
"It's something we want to do because I want to make sure there's no stone unturned for us going into that European Championship campaign."
Wales' Nations League campaign concludes with home games against Iceland on 30 November and Germany on 5 December.
Longhurst, 21, has been involved in previous squads and has represented Wales at under-17 and under-19 level.
Sunderland duo Ellen Jones and Mary McAteer are the other uncapped players in Grainger's 26-player squad.
Blackburn Rovers pair Chloe Williams and Lauren Thomas are not involved having been part of the squad last month.
Wales: Laura O'Sullivan, Olivia Clark, Safia Middleton-Patel, Hayley Ladd, Josie Green, Gemma Evans, Rhiannon Roberts, Charlie Estcourt, Lily Woodham, Esther Morgan, Anna Filbey, Ella Powell, Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Jess Fishlock, Rachel Rowe, Ffion Morgan, Megan Wynne, Ceri Holland, Ellen Jones, Josie Longhurst, Kayleigh Green, Hannah Cain, Carrie Jones, Elise Hughes, Mary McAteer.