David Brooks

David Brooks insists Wales must show plenty of bite over the next few days in order to avoid the “big dogs” in their likely World Cup play-off clash.

David Brooks has been told he can continue to play a huge part in Bournemouth’s stunning climb up the Premier League. The Wales midfielder earned rave reviews for his superb winner that helped the Cherries beat Everton 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy insists his team can build further on his first camp in charge last month when two positive performances created plenty of excitement among supporters to carry with them into Friday night’s match in Iceland. Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey were somewhat fortunate to leave Cardiff with a goalless draw before Montenegro were beaten 2-1 in Niksic in Bellamy’s opening two matches in charge in the Nations League.

Joe Allen has come out of international retirement and will be involved in Wales’ upcoming Nations League double-header with Iceland and Montenegro. Allen quit international football in February 2023 saying “time and injuries” had taken their toll, but the 34-year-old has been persuaded to rejoin the Dragons’ fold by new manager and former team-mate Craig Bellamy.

Craig Bellamy expressed pride over Wales’ win in Montenegro after facing what he said were the toughest conditions in his career. Torrential rain in Niksic saw the City Stadium pitch cut up from the early stages, with players regularly losing their footing and the ball skidding everywhere on the sodden surface.

Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow has joined the Wales set-up by being named in Craig Bellamy’s first squad. Northampton-born Darlow – the grandson of former Wales international and 1958 World Cup squad member Ken Leek – turned down the chance earlier in his career to join the Dragons’ squad when choosing to focus on club football.

Rob Page appears to be bracing himself for bad news after another blow to his reputation and job security as Wales manager. The under-fire boss apologised to fans after a 4-0 thrashing to Slovakia and said it is “up to the powers that be” to decide if he stays in the job.

Seven Welsh players have the opportunity to head towards the Premier League on Saturday – although not all of them will make it. The Championship promotion odds are certainly stacked against the Leeds United quartet of Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts.

Last weekend saw an Old Firm derby to remember, a frantic 3-3 draw with a late stunner from Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo securing Rangers a vital point as they stay one point behind Celtic with a game in hand. It was a special goal, as the Wales international cut in from the left and struck a dipping, curling shot with stunning force into the far corner of the goal.

Poland manager Michal Probierz insists his team will have sufficient mental strength to end Wales’ Euro dream in Cardiff on Tuesday night. The Poles finished third in their qualifying group behind Albania and the Czech Republic but demolished Estonia 5-1 in their play-off semi-final to set up the Cardiff showdown.

Connor Roberts insists he is bristling for a fight against Robert Lewandowski and Poland on Tuesday night. Roberts has embarked on long unbeaten Championship runs at Burnley and Leeds over the last two seasons after putting his razor away and growing a moustache.

Ethan Ampadu reckons Wales are now battle-hardened enough to chop down the Poles next week – and take their place at the Euro 2024 finals this summer. The Wales midfielder played another key role for his team on Thursday night as they flattened Finland 4-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium to set up a play-off final showdown against Poland on Tuesday.