Wales name teenager Andrews, but suffer Ramsey blow

Kai Andrews has made just eight senior appearances for Coventry and Motherwell

Wales have named uncapped teenager Kai Andrews in their injury-hit squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.

The 18-year-old midfielder's unexpected inclusion comes as captain Aaron Ramsey misses out again after sustaining another hamstring injury on Tuesday, prompting a recall for Tom Lawrence.

Andrews, who has represented Wales Under-19s, is on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City.

He has started only three league games for the Scottish Premiership club since joining in January, but impressed during their win over Rangers earlier this month as he played the full 90 minutes.

Cardiff City midfielder Ramsey, 34, had been expected to return to the Wales squad for the first time since last September, but was forced off the field during his club side's 2-1 defeat against Luton Town.

Wales were already without two highly influential players, Leeds United skipper Ethan Ampadu and Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson, due to injury.

Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and Sheffield United left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies are also sidelined, but Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper is back from injury.

Lawrence will be involved for the first time under Craig Bellamy, having won his most recent cap in March 2021.

Wales begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at home against Kazakhstan on Saturday, 22 March before travelling to North Macedonia three days later.

Wales have also been drawn alongside Belgium and Liechtenstein in Group J.

The top team from each of the 12 European groups qualifies automatically for the World Cup - which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico - with the second-placed teams entering the play-offs.

Bellamy is unbeaten as Wales head coach, having won promotion to the Nations League's top tier with three wins and three draws in 2024.

Winning their Nations League group also effectively guaranteed Wales at least a play-off for World Cup qualification.

Having instilled a bold new playing style in addition to those encouraging early results, Bellamy's next aim is to lead Wales to what would only be a third World Cup in their history.

Despite a stellar club career as a player, the former Wales captain never got the chance to represent his country at a major tournament.

Now he hopes to fulfil that lifelong ambition in his first senior managerial role.

Andrews a 'high-potential' player, says Bellamy

Andrews is the only uncapped player in the squad and, given Wales' limited options in midfield, he might get an opportunity to play.

"I watched his games with the under-19s," said Bellamy. "Physically [Andrews is impressive], but also his ability to look after the ball.

"There's plenty of habits that need improving, but with young players that's understandable. I've always liked working with young players.

"At Anderlecht we gave debuts at 16, so it's quite normal. I see him as a high-potential player in an area we need quality.

"He's maybe a bit more fast-tracked than is usually the case in international football, but he's in an area we need to strengthen."

Ramsey's injury has brought into sharp focus the need for Wales to bolster their options in central midfield, a position Bellamy has previously highlighted as one where they lack depth.

"I spoke to him [Ramsey] this morning. It's a tough one for him," said Bellamy.

"Personally, football-wise and from a selfish capacity in the Wales job, I don't really care. Him as the person is more important. I've known him since he was five.

"To watch his hard work - and it's not just this period, throughout his career - the consistency he's been able to show, the elite level he's been able to play at, the person he is. I care about that more.

"The extent of the injury we don't know. We'll find out later. But as a person, I think he tried to be a little apologetic to me. The first thought in my head was 'don't you ever apologise to me'. I couldn't be more proud of him as a person.

"His playing career has been incredible. What he's done for us as a country, club football and young people in Wales, and beyond. I'm proud to know him."

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester City), Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United).

Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Chris Mepham (Sunderland, on loan from Bournemouth), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City).

Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Ollie Cooper (Swansea City), Kai Andrews (Motherwell, on loan from Coventry City), Sorba Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield Town), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Tom Lawrence (Rangers).

Forwards: Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel James (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Stoke City, on loan from Liverpool), Rabbi Matondo (Hannover 96, on loan from Rangers).