Bellamy Unveils First Wales Squad: Darlow Gets the Call

Craig Bellamy has named his first squad as Wales manager, with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow receiving a maiden call-up. The 33-year-old, who previously declined the opportunity to represent Wales in favour of focusing on his club career, has been included in a 24-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Montenegro.

Darlow, who has amassed nearly 250 appearances throughout his career with clubs like Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, has been providing cover for Illan Meslier at Leeds since his arrival in July 2023. His inclusion comes as Wayne Hennessey recovers from a long-term Achilles injury, leaving Darlow to join Danny Ward of Leicester and Adam Davies of Sheffield United as the three goalkeepers in Bellamy's squad.

Darlow's selection brings the number of Leeds players in the squad to four, alongside Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, and Joe Rodon.

Bellamy has also recalled Mark Harris and Oli Cooper to the fold for the first time in over a year. Harris, who was part of Wales' 2022 World Cup squad, has enjoyed a blistering start to the season, scoring three goals in three games for Oxford in their return to the Championship. Cooper, who was on standby at the World Cup, saw his form dip last season, but he has impressed in the early stages of this campaign.

Sorba Thomas has also been recalled after departing Huddersfield this summer to join French club Nantes on a season-long loan.

Notable absentees from the squad include Ipswich duo Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns, as well as Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks, all due to injuries.

Bellamy has yet to announce his captain, with the future of Aaron Ramsey, who has been plagued by injuries and has not featured for Wales in twelve months, still uncertain. Ben Davies of Tottenham and Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu are considered potential replacements for the captaincy in this new era under Bellamy.

Wales begin their Nations League Group B4 campaign with a home fixture against Turkey in Cardiff on September 6th, followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.

Full Wales squad:

D Ward (Leicester)

A Davies (Sheff Utd)

K Darlow (Leeds)

B Davies (Tottenham)

O Beck (Blackburn, on loan from Liverpool)

J Rodon (Leeds)

C Mepham (Bournemouth)

B Cabango (Swansea)

N Williams (Nottingham Forest)

C Roberts (Burnley)

J James (Rennes)

E Ampadu (Leeds)

J Sheehan (Bolton)

A Ramsey (Cardiff)

O Cooper (Swansea)

S Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield)

K Moore (Sheff Utd)

L Koumas (Stoke, on loan from Liverpool)

B Johnson (Tottenham)

H Wilson (Fulham)

D James (Leeds)

M Harris (Oxford)

L Cullen (Swansea)

R Matondo (Rangers)

*PA