Ryan Giggs has sprung a selection surprise by naming Anderlecht defender James Lawrence in the Wales squad for the games against Denmark and Albania.
The Henley-on-Thames born player was on the books as a youngster at Arsenal, QPR and Ajax before joining the Belgium outfit in August 2018.
Giggs had been made aware that the 26-year-old qualifies for Wales through a Haverfordwest-born grandmother and had been watched by his assistant Albert Stuivenberg a couple of times.
“He’s gone under the radar,” said Giggs of Lawrence, who has also played for Slovakian club AS Trencin. He’s someone who fits the profile of how I want to play.
“He’s a good player, comfortable with the ball at his feet and likes to play out. Albert has watched him a couple of times so I’m looking forward to seeing him at close quarters.”
Giggs has also promoted Wales under 21 wing Daniel James into the squad for the Nations League match against Denmark and friendly in Albania after some impressive displays for Swansea City.
Gareth Bale has also been included after missing last month’s games due to injury as is Aaron Ramsey who missed the victory over the Republic of Ireland as his wife was giving birth to twin boys.
“It’s good to see him back playing. He can’t wait to join up with the lads and play his part,” Giggs said of Real madrid ace Bale, Wales’ record goalscorer.
Tottenham defender Ben Davies misses out due to suspension but left-back Neil Taylor is recalled having missed out last month.
Wales host the Danes in Cardiff on November 16 before travelling to Albania for the friendly in Elbasan four days later.
Wales squad: Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Ward (Leicester City); Davies (Bansley), C Roberts (Swansea City), Gunter (Reading), Williams (Stoke City, on loan from Everton), Chester (Aston Villa), Mepham (Brentford), Ampadu (Chelsea), Lockyer (Bristol Rovers), J Lawrence (Anderlecht), Dummett (Newcastle United), Taylor (Aston Villa), Allen (Stoke City), Smith (FC Twente, on loan from Manchester City) Ramsey (Arsenal), King (Leicester City), Thomas (Scunthorpe United, on loan from Leicester City), Wilson (Derby County), Brooks (Bournemouth), James (Swansea City), Woodburn (Sheffield United, on loan from Liverpool), T Lawrence (Derby County), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United), Vokes (Burnley), Bale (Real Madrid).
