Wales call-up Kpakio's 'potential ridiculously high'

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has called up Cardiff City's teenage defender Ronan Kpakio for the World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium in June.

But the decision to add the right-back, who only turned 18 this week, to his squad is not such a surprise when you consider Bellamy has been a fan of Kpakio for some time - and even considered buying the youngster when the Wales boss was part of Burnley's backroom staff.

"I've known Ronan since he was very, very young, I've kept an eye on him," Bellamy said.

"Even last year we wanted to buy him for Burnley, so I'm fully aware, I've watched him - especially over the last couple of years, his progression has been outstanding.

"His potential can be ridiculously high; he's very athletic, very intelligent.

"If he wasn't injured I would have had him in March, as he's a player - especially in the right-back position... where we don't have a big area [of selection choices] in there, so we really need to start developing players in that position.

"He's the perfect profile for that."

Kpakio has come through the Bluebirds academy system and has so far made only six senior appearances for the club.

He made his debut in the EFL Cup last August before his first league start came on the final day of the Championship season.