Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has welcomed back several senior players to his squad for the final two fixtures of this UEFA Nations League campaign.
Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon and goalkeeper Karl Darlow are amongst those returning to the squad after missing the opening four group games. “Il start with the players coming back,” said Bellamy to the media when he announced his squad on Wednesday. “It’s huge. They’re really important players for us so I’m really happy.”
Currently sitting third in Group A4 following the extended international window in September and October, Cymru travel to Norway on Saturday 14 November (KO 5pm GMT) before returning home to a sell-out crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium to face Portugal on Tuesday 17 November (KO 7:45pm).
The last international window saw Cymru play four games in quick succession, and while Bellamy’s side suffered defeats against Portugal and Denmark twice, the side put in an impressive performance to beat Norway 2-1 in Cardiff. However, Bellamy acknowledged the toll that took on his squad and how he is looking forward to managing two games this time around.
“We have two games and that allows us to really attack them,” he explained. “The intensity dropped last time, especially in the last game, and there’s no hiding place. This time, I see Norway as a game to all out, and if it doesn’t go our way we still have an opportunity against Portugal.”
The Nations League brings with it plenty of opportunity, and Cymru can still finish second, third or fourth in the group. A second-place finish would earn in a place in the quarter-finals, while third place would result in a relegation play-off against a League B team. Fourth place would mean direct relegation or a relegation play-off, depending on the ranking of the other League A teams.
“I’ve always said I’m delighted with the Nations League and how it works,” Bellamy added. “Even though they’re all difficult games, you get rewarded for doing well, so you get to aim for something. You’re playing against real top end teams too, and that’s only going to allow you to improve.
“We have an opportunity where we can be Pot 1. If we finish third, it’s the first time in our history (in EURO qualifying) where we’d be Pot 1. That would be huge going into the EURO qualifiers. There’s no hiding from it.”
One player missing from Bellamy’s squad for these upcoming fixtures is midfielder Jordan James after he suffered an injury playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, while defender Ben Cabango will miss the first match against Norway through suspension.
There is also a new face in the squad in goalkeeper Joe Duncan. The 20-year-old is currently on-loan at Southend United from Bristol City and represented the Cymru U21 side in the last international window. Bellamy acknowledged how the position is one that needs attention for the future.
“It’s a clear issue because of the age of our goalkeepers,” Bellamy explained. “I’ve always been aware of where the next one is coming from, and what I’ve seen and heard about Joe I’ve been really happy with him. He’s learning in the National League and that will test him, as there’s no protection for keepers there.”
Another youngster who will be keen to impress during these two internationals is Lewis Koumas. The striker has featured regularly for Liverpool this season and has all the attributes that Bellamy likes in his position. “The game time he’s had is good and that’s only going to help us,” he added.
“I have to be honest, the type of forward he is and the intensity he plays with I adore. It’s like, if you can send me a forward then he’s my forward. He dips in, dips out, looks to stretch and he’s willing to get on the ball on any occasion. I actually feel Liverpool are handling him incredibly well, which is definitely going to benefit our country.”