Wales' Darlow eyes World Cup after 'special moment'

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow has played almost 250 senior games at club level

Karl Darlow believes he can emulate his grandfather by going to a World Cup having followed his lead by representing Wales.

The goalkeeper made his international bow in Monday’s Nations League victory in Montenegro, some 11 years after Wales first tried to select him.

The English-born Leeds United player turned down the chance to play for Wales in 2013 and 2018.

But having accepted the offer of a call-up from Craig Bellamy, Darlow is intent on making an impression in the Wales shirt.

The 33-year-old – Wales’ oldest post-war debutant – is the grandson of Ken Leek, who was part of the Wales squad at the 1958 World Cup.

“I probably thought this door was closed – I am delighted that he (Bellamy) wanted me here,” Darlow said.

“We collided together at the right time and we've got certain similar ambitions.

“There's a World Cup I'd be desperate to be part of and if I can help in that journey, that's something I can look back on and be proud of.”

Darlow says his family are “beyond proud” about his Wales involvement.

His parents and grandmother Janet – the widow of Leek, who died in 2007 – were at Cardiff City Stadium for last Friday’s goalless draw with Turkey.

Former Wales forward Ken Leek, Karl Darlow's grandfather, was born in Ynysybwl

“It's a special moment for them,” Darlow said. “My nan was made up to be back in Cardiff and enjoyed the game.

“I know everything about my grandad's career and it's something for the family and myself to be proud of. I hope I did the country proud wearing that shirt and will do in the future.”

Leek, a forward, did not play at the 1958 World Cup, but went on to win 13 caps in the 1960s, scoring five goals.

He played club football for the likes of Northampton Town – where Darlow was born – Leicester City, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Bradford City.

Darlow has also played for Newcastle, as well as Nottingham Forest, Newport County, Walsall, Hull City and Leeds, who he joined in 2023.

He says a desire to play regularly at club level influenced his decision to turn down Wales, before Bellamy came calling having been appointed head coach in July.

“At different times in my career I've had probably different commitments in terms of getting to play games,” Darlow said.

“There have been certain points in my career when I didn't feel it was right for me to come. I feel now I'm so motivated and determined to help this Welsh squad qualify for the World Cup.

“I had a fantastic Zoom meeting with the manager. Everything he said ticked all my boxes and he was pleased with how I came across as well. It's a new era and the main goal for me and the squad is to get to the World Cup.”

Having sat on the bench in the Nations League opener against Turkey, Darlow was picked ahead of Danny Ward in Montenegro as Bellamy made five changes to his starting side.

Wales built on their encouraging performance against the Turks by securing a first victory of the Bellamy era in rain-soaked Niksic.

Darlow played his part in a confidence-building success, making some important saves as Wales held on to win 2-1 after goals inside the first three minutes from Kieffer Moore and Harry Wilson.

“I was so proud to be out there wearing the shirt and to have a win on the back of it,” Darlow said.

“We've come out with four points from the two games and it probably should have been six in the way we played against Turkey.

“It just goes to show the work him (Bellamy) and his staff have put in already and the way the lads have bought into the way he wants to play. Hopefully it's a bright future for us.”

The Montenegro game was just a second this season for Darlow, who is understudy to Illan Meslier at Leeds.

Darlow played four times last term, with his last run of regular football coming during a loan spell at Hull City in 2023.

“I want to play more, of course,” Darlow added.

“But I had confidence going into the game knowing I was ready. Martyn Margetson (Wales’ goalkeeping coach) touched on everything I needed and there was no doubts in my mind I could go out there and put on a good performance.”