Bellamy's hotline to Wales' future

After beating Japan, Wales U19s will also face the United States and Germany in this week's tournament in north Wales

Wales Under-19s had only minutes earlier secured a thrilling late 3-2 victory over Japan when manager Craig Knight's phone rang.

It was men's senior manager Craig Bellamy.

Bellamy, deep in preparation for the upcoming crucial World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, was eager to get the lowdown on how Wales' next generation had performed on Wednesday night.

"That tells you everything you need to know about our senior manager, how much he's invested in it," Knight told BBC Sport Wales.

"Within 15 minutes of this game finishing he was on the phone asking who did well, what was the game like?

"And for you as a manager, that's fantastic, that interest. Your motivation goes through the roof, it really does.

"He's been excellent since he's come in, in terms of giving us new ideas, stretching us, stretching our way of thinking about how we approach things.

"He's a massive positive to have in our pathway and obviously leading the country."

That pathway into the senior squad is highlighted by the rapid rise of Cardiff City full-back Ronan Kpakio, who at 18 remains eligible for the Under-19s.

Kpakio is with Bellamy's squad. rather than Knight's Under-19s, preparing for the World Cup qualifiers and with two senior caps already.

"Ronan's an excellent talent, he's really athletic," Knight told BBC Sport Wales.

"To see him getting the opportunity at senior level, it's outstanding. But he's worked really hard, as has his club Cardiff City, to develop him.

"And to see also [Cardiff defender] Dylan Lawlor getting his opportunity in World Cup qualifiers, not just friendlies but World Cup qualifiers, and being trusted.

"They're great players and they're great people so it's lovely to see."

Ronan Kpakio (left) made his senior Wales debut against Canada in September

While the senior side still have work to do to secure a place at next summer's World Cup finals, their Under-19 counterparts already know what awaits them next June.

As hosts, Wales' spot at the Uefa Under-19 Championships is already guaranteed with the tournament held across venues in north Wales.

Wednesday's game against Japan at Denbigh's Central Park was part of a mini-tournament also involving the United States and Germany, held as a test event ahead of next summer's showpiece tournament.

"When we put these fixtures in for the autumn, we wanted teams who were different, who could stretch us both physically, tactically, technically," Knight added.

"I think Japan did that, full credit to them - an unbelievable team, unbelievable energy from the first minute to the 90th minute and we had to work really, really hard to stay with them.

"A great, great challenge and we're looking forward to the two that are coming up as well.

"I think the boys were really courageous at times and played through and caused them problems in transition.

"On the flip side of that, we really had to defend our box at times really, really well. We had to concentrate, we had to track runners,

"But that's part and parcel of international football and certainly some stuff they'll have to do in the finals tournament next June, but also beyond that."

Wales will be one of eight teams at next summer's Championship, held during a year in which the Football Association of Wales (FAW) will be celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Knight says hosting the finals will not only benefit Wales' young players but hopefully inspire young supporters.

"We've been fortunate enough the last couple of years to qualify for the major tournaments," said Knight, referring to Wales Under-17s' appearances at successive finals in 2023 and 2024.

"They are great events - the exposure, the quality of teams, everything that it brings is a really, really good experience for the players.

"But as well, I think with it being on home soil, it's a really, really good opportunity for the general public to come and see.

"If we can get lots of people to come and watch the games, what you're leaving is a bit of a legacy in terms of boys, girls being inspired by these players to go and play themselves further down the track.

"It's a really important event for several different reasons."

Midfielder Cruz Allen has played for Derby County in the EFL Trophy

Against Japan at Denbigh on Wednesday evening, Wales were 2-0 ahead inside the opening 11 minutes with well-taken goals from Josh Gentles and Will Grainger.

Japan hit back to level but Wales secured a thrilling - and deserved win - in added time when substitute Cruz Allen struck with an excellent free-kick.

"I can't really describe the feeling scoring the last goal to win the game, but the team did me a favour to keep us in the game," Derby County midfielder Allen said.

"It's a great experience to come up against these teams, but we believe in ourselves so we can go toe-to-toe with them and we've proved it today.

"We just want to keep progressing and make sure we can keep beating these teams to give us the best chance.

"I think we're seeing more of a pathway - we just have to keep putting in the performances and that's what will get you noticed."

Wales face the United States in their next game on Saturday at Wrexham's STok Cae Ras (kick-off: 14:30 GMT), before they conclude against Germany in Denbigh on Tuesday, 18 November (11:00 GMT).