Peter Lupton: Wales forward an experienced leader - John Kear

Peter Lupton made his Wales debut in 2011

Forward Peter Lupton is the right man to captain Wales in the rugby league European Championship says head coach John Kear.

Workington Town player Lupton, 32, will lead his country at his home club ground in the opening game against Scotland on Friday.

"Peter stood out as an experienced leader," Kear said.

"It seemed a logical choice to me and it's a bonus for him that we're playing on his home club ground first up."

Former Celtic Crusaders player Lupton said he was surprised to be appointed but was honoured to captain his country.

Wales, tournament winners four years ago, travel to France on 25 October before hosting Ireland in Wrexham on 2 November.

The tournament winners will secure a place at the next Four Nations championship against England, Australia and New Zealand in 2016 as well as a place in the 2017 World Cup.

Scotland and France are already seeded after they reached the knockout stages in 2013 but Wales and Ireland will have to go through qualifying if they fail to top the European Championship.

"This is a very important tournament for all of us," Lupton added.

"We want to try and get into the Four Nations once again and hopefully we can make a good start.

"It's a bonus that the first game will be at Workington Town, my home club. Hopefully we can get a few Workington fans there supporting Wales."

Wales squad: Joe Burke, Dalton Grant (both Barrow Raiders), Byron Smith (Batley Bulldogs), Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Daniel Fleming (Castleford Tigers), Rhys Williams (Central Queensland Capras), Tom Hughes (Coventry Bears), Matty Barron, Ricky Hough (Gateshead Thunder), Izaak Duffy (Gloucestershire All Golds), Ollie Olds (Ipswich Jets, Australia), Jacob Emmitt (Leigh Centurions), Owain Griffiths, Christiaan Roets (both North Wales Crusaders), Yannic Parker (Oxford), Ashley Bateman, Phil Carleton, Paul Emanuelli, Morgan Evans, Connor Farrer, Kyle Scrivens, Jordan Sheridan (all South Wales Scorpions), Matty Fozard (St Helens), Lewis Reece (Toowoomba Clydesdales), Peter Lupton (Workington Town).