Mike Butt could make his Wales debut in the crunch Rugby League European Championships clash with Scotland in Galashiels on Friday (November 2)
The Swinton Lions player missed out when John Kear’s squad opened their defence of the title with a 54-18 defeat in France last weekend.
But Butt – who had joked he had Welsh qualification before discovering he did via a grandmother – could earn his first cap in the must-win game.
Wales face Ireland in their final match in Wrexham with the top two earning automatic places at the 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Kear said: “We’re expecting another tough match against Scotland, but we’re hoping to improve in some of the areas that let us down against France and get a result in Galashiels.
“Scotland also lost their opening match so I’m sure they’ll want to get up and running. Our squad is young and I’ve no doubt that matches like last weekend’s against France will benefit the players.
“They’re all hungry to play and qualify for the next World Cup.”
Scotland head coaches Chris Chester and John Duffy have also named their 19-man squad for the home game as they look to keep their own hopes alive after defeat to Ireland.
“We were a bit disappointed with our performance in Dublin last weekend and are looking forward to getting back to playing at home,” said Chester, who worked alongside Kear at Wakefield.
“We have made a number of changes to the squad and the boys are clearly benefitting from a bit more time together.
“We’re anticipating a close, exciting game and it’s great to have a number of local Scottish lads looking good in training and ready to go on Friday.”
Craig Robertson and Matt Hogg are in line for possible debuts for the Bravehearts.
Wales squad: Dalton Grant (Bradford Bulls), Josh Ralph (Easts Tigers), Chester Butler, Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dan Fleming, Sion Jones (Halifax), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (London Broncos), Elliott Jenkins (Rochdale Hornets), Gavin Bennion (Salford Red Devils), Ben Morris (St Helens), Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd (both Swinton Lions), Courtney Davies (unattached), James Olds (West Brisbane Panthers), Morgan Evans, Steve Parry (West Wales Raiders).
Scotland squad: David Scott (Batley Bulldogs), Frankie Mariano (Doncaster RL), Craig Borthwick, Lewis Clarke, Finn Hutchison, Craig Robertson (Edinburgh Eagles), Ben Kavanagh (Halifax RL), Will Oakes (Hull KR), Billy McConnachie (Ipswich Jets), Davey Dixon (Keighley Cougars), Nick Glohe (Lakes United RLFC), Sam Luckley (Newcastle Thunder), Matt Hogg (Newcastle University/Edinburgh Eagles), James Bell (New Zealand Warriors), Oscar Thomas (Sheffield Eagles), Murray Mitchell (Strathmore Silverbacks), Ryan Brierley (Toronto Wolfpack), Kane Bentley (Toulouse), Oliver Wilkes (Workington Town)
