The World Cup is now so close you can almost taste it.
This week Cymru has named its 26-man World Cup team, which includes Joe Allen and Rubin Colwill.
Pembrokeshires very own Joe Allen, a central midfielder, hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury during Swansea City’s 3-0 victory over Hull City on September 17, but Colwill made his comeback against Hull City on Tuesday night after more than a month on the sidelines.
But both guys will be travelling to Qatar the following week as Wales makes its return to the biggest stage of international football following a fifty-year absence.
Tom Lockyer returns to the international fold for the first time in more than a year as cover for Sheffield United’s Rhys Norrington-Davies, who will miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Other notable stars include Gareth Bale, who recently won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles, and Aaron Ramsey.
In addition to Ben Cabango and Mark Harris securing spots in Page’s team, Euro 2016 stars Chris Gunter, Jonny Williams, Ben Davies, and Wayne Hennessey will again offer expertise to the camp’s young players.
In some cases, well-known individuals from recent years such as Kieffer Moore, Daniel James, Brennan Johnson, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts, and Joe Morrell will represent their nation in the Middle East.
We’re giving him every opportunity to be fit, said Page, who introduced his team at Tylorstown Welfare Hall. I couldn’t possibly refrain from include him in the 26.
He’s on the turf. He’s making the progress we want him to, and we’ll do all in our power to ensure that he’s ready for the opening match. I called him a couple of days earlier to let him know he was in the 26 simply to relieve some of the strain. If he is healthy, he will play.
“He’s a senior lad, he’s got vast amounts of experience playing tournament football as well so he knows the game inside-out and that’s invaluable. That’s why I’m throwing everything at it. It’s similar to Joe Ledley probably in 2016, when Cookie [Chris Coleman] had that scenario with an experienced lad that he wanted to go in, because he needed him as a key figure in that team. For me it’s no different with Joe.”
Captain Bale has already made his way back to Wales after finishing his domestic campaign with LA. In addition, Page has disclosed that the 33-year-old is working on his fitness with the Football Association of Wales’ medical staff in advance of the team’s travel to Doha on Tuesday.
“He scored an important goal for LA,” Page said on Bale. “He showed athleticism to get the header. Has he played as many minutes as we’d like? Probably not. But that doesn’t worry me.
“He’s proved time and time again when he puts the Welsh jersey on, irrespective of how many minutes he’s played at domestic level, he’s always produced.
“On big occasions he’ll always turn up, thrive, and enjoy it. No questions about him today. He’s already with the staff, over in the country and raring to go.
“He’ll have an effect on the game straight away and when opposing managers see his name on the team sheet they’ll know. It’s the power that people like Gareth have because they always deliver.”
Tyler Roberts, a forward for Leeds United who is presently on loan at Queens Park Rangers, is unable to participate due to injury. Rabbi Matondo of Rangers, Ollie Cooper of Swansea, and Wes Burns of Ipswich Town were also left off the roster.
Wales kick-start the tournament against the United States of America on Monday, November 21 before facing Iran four days later. Page’s men round off the group stage against England on Tuesday, November 29.
