Joe and Gwion preparing for Euro 2016 qualifiers
Joe Walsh and Gwion Edwards will make club history on Friday regardless of whether they make their senior debuts for Wales.
Crawley Town have never had players selected for the full squads of any of the home nations but all that changed earlier this week when Joe and his team-mate were called up for the European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia Herzegovina on Friday and Cyprus next Monday, both at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The pair trained with the rest of the Wales’ squad yesterday at the ground and with ten players having withdrawn from the squad through injury the chances of either of them playing may have increased.
Manager John Gregory said: “If they are chosen they won’t let themselves or their country down – they are ready to step up if needed and (Wales manager) Chris (Coleman) knows that. He’s monitored their progress in the under-21s and knows they can do a job for him if necessary.”
Gwion admits it’s still sinking in that he has spent this week working alongside world superstars such as Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.
He said: “I’m a winger like Bale so I look up to him and try to learn off him. He's a bit of a hero of mine to be honest.
“I'm still young and learning. Players with Wales play in the Premier League and I will learn a lot from being around and involved with the team.
"Just being involved in training and around the players is going to be a good feeling. If the chance is there to be on the bench or play then I'd like to take my chance and do well.
“It is always a proud moment to be called up for the national team and it will be a great experience to be involved with players who play at the highest level week-in, week-out."
Both Gwion and Joe came to the club from Swansea City and believe the move to West Sussex has helped them progress their international careers.
“We both needed to be playing regularly and we’ve got that opportunity at Crawley,” said Joe. “It is a good thing for us as players and it is a big achievement for the club.
“We are probably the smallest club compared to others with players who are in the squad. Just to be involved in training and being around the players has been great. Hopefully we will do well and get a chance but just being around the squad for the next few days is a brilliant experience.”
Both have linked up with the national squad in good form, according to JG.
“Gwion was the difference on Tuesday night up at Luton,” he said. “He scored a great goal and caused them a lot of problems. He’s really found some form in the last few games.
“And we all know about Joe. He’s very consistent for us but working and hopefully playing at this level will give him a massive boost in terms of confidence.”
Wales take on Bosnia Herzegovina on Friday, kick off 7.45pm, and Cyprus next Monday, also 7.45pm.
Look out for live coverage from both games as we wait to see if either of our players make more history!
