Wales Coach Robert Page Reveals Pathway For Welsh Talent

Manager Robert Page and his Wales team are on a Uefa mission at Estadio Municipal, Teixeira in Portugal this evening (7.15pm).

They are intent on following up their 3-0 win against Switzerland away five days ago with another big Uefa under-21 Championship performance.

Hosts Portugal were runners-up in this tournament two years ago, losing against Sweden 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final.

Tonight’s clash is Portugal’s first group match and Wales are planning to cause an upset.

David Brooks (Sheffield United), George Thomas (Leicester City) and Tyler Roberts (Walsall) scored against Switzerland in Biel, but Wales face an even bigger test now.

They are, though, unbeaten since Page took charge, having emerged from the Toulon tournament unbeaten in three matches and then winning in Switzerland.

Rhondda-born Page won 41 caps for Wales and has a four-year contract to organise the under-17, under-19 and under-21 squads.

During an 18-year playing career, defender Page made over 500 senior first team appearances for Watford, Sheffield United, Cardiff City, Coventry, Huddersfield and Chesterfield.

After retiring from playing, Page managed Port Vale and Northampton before taking up a coaching role at Nottingham Forest.

Now he is in charge of ensuring his young players know there is a pathway from youth team football to the senior team.

“There’s a pathway for them if they want to take it,” says Page.

“If they’re committed to the cause and committed to playing for their country there’s an opportunity to play for the first team.”

The success of teenager Ben Woodburn, the substitute who scored the only goal for Wales against Austria, has underlined Welsh commitment to giving youth a chance.

Line-up v Portugal:

Wales, possible: Pilling, Coxe, Abbruzzese, Poole, Rodon (capt), Mepham, Thomas, M Smith, Roberts, Brooks James. Subs: T Harris, O Evans (gk), J Evans, Broadhead, Cullen, DaSilva, C Harries, L Thomas (gk).