Senior internationals boost Wales U21 history bid

Rubin Colwill has made 10 Cardiff appearances this season

Rubin Colwill and Charlie Savage are among the senior internationals named in the Wales Under-21 squad for their potentially historic European Championship qualifier with Czech Republic on Friday, 11 October at Newport's Rodney Parade.

A win could see Wales qualify for the finals - which are being held in Slovakia - for the first time at under-21 level.

Cardiff City forward Colwill, Reading midfielder Savage, St Pauli's Fin Stevens and Leeds' Charlie Crew all have senior Wales caps but will be looking to help Matty Jones’ under-21s make history next week.

They could be joined by Blackburn’s Liverpool loanee Owen Beck, who has been named in Craig Bellamy’s senior squad but could switch to the under-21s if he is not required for the Nations League encounters with Iceland and Montenegro.

Jones said the senior internationals will have no problems moving back to the under-21s.

“In the past those have been seen as difficult challenges," he said.

"But I have spoken a lot about creating a culture in the group and making sure [it is fine] when they do cross age groups - whether that is playing up or down in age groups - I have managed both over the last few years."

He added: “It’s been a refreshing mentality from the players. We have supported them in how to manage ego, how to manage expectation and how to manage their aspirations.

“But it definitely puts us in a healthy situation. Who would not want a Rubin Colwill in your squad? Who would not want a Charlie Savage or potentially Owen Beck?"

Sheffield United midfielder Owen Hampson is one of two uncapped players in the squad, along with Wolves goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin.

Wales have been dealt a blow with Crawley’s on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Ed Beach – who has played six of the seven group games – ruled out through injury, while Wycombe's Joe Low is suspended.

Wales sit joint-top of their qualifying group alongside Denmark. Jones' team can secure automatic qualification for the finals if they better the result of Denmark, who play their last game against Iceland on October 15.

A draw against Czech Republic would be enough for Wales to seal at least a play-off for the first time since 2008.

"I am really excited to play this home fixture - it is something we built up to," said Jones.

"I had that sense for a long time it was going to fall down to this final game and it certainly has."

After the Czech Republic game, Wales fly to Slovakia for a friendly on 15 October.

Wales Under-21 squad

Lewys Benjamin (Wolves), Evan Watts (Swansea City), Fin Stevens (St Pauli), Alex Williams (Stratford Town - loan from West Brom), Matt Baker (Newport County), Luca Hoole (Shrewsbury Town), Ed Turns (Brighton and Hove Albion), Zac Ashworth (Blackpool), Tom Davies (Cardiff City), Cameron Congreve (Bromley - loan from Swansea City), Owen Hampson (Sheffield United), Eli King (Stevenage - loan from Cardiff City), Oli Hammond (Oldham Athletic), Joel Cotterill (Swindon Town - loan from Swansea City), Charlie Savage (Reading), Charlie Crew (Leeds United), Joel Colwill (Cheltenham Town - loan from Cardiff City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City), Josh Thomas (Bromley - on loan from Swansea City), Chris Popov (Barrow - loan from Leicester City), Josh Farrell (CF Villanovense).