Welsh football players. - Young guns - News and views

Welsh Football Young Guns update news - by Owain Jones.

Young guns news - Sunday 25-Feb-07

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Scored with a header against the Tractor boys last Saturday to show that his game is based around more than dead ball scenarios. Although things didn't quite go according to plan from there on in with the Ipswich U18 team claiming all three points with a 3-2 win. The game also marked the return of injury cursed Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) from a metatarsal injury, and the good news was that the second year scholar came through 45 minutes without any reaction.

Darcy Blake (Cardiff - midfielder) + Chris Gunter (Cardiff - defender) Started and stared for the seniors on Tuesday night as the recent good run of results came to an end against WBA. Both youngsters were praised to the hilt by manager David Jones, who reckons that John Toshack and Brian Flynn realise that both are ready for U21 starts and even went as far as to say that they are ready for senior recognition for Wales.

Michael Chedwyn-Evans (Man City - striker) Scored his sides second goal as the City reserves drew 2-2 with Newcastle on Tuesday night. It has been a fine season for the St Asaph born striker, with the U21 international proving a regular fixture for the second string and gaining several player of the month awards for the U18 side.

Greg Coombes (Cardiff/Oxford - midfielder) Will spend another month on loan at Oxford as the Conference side look to push for promotion. 18 year old Coombes will now hope to get regular game time, with only one start under his belt since starting his loan spell.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves/Stockport - goalkeeper) Notched up an eighth consecutive clean sheet as Stockport moved to 6th in Coca-Cola League 2 thereby equalling Harry Hardy's record set in 1921. The Wales U21 international has been in sparkling form of late and it surely will not have gone unnoticed Toshack and his team.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Came off the bench to set up one of his sides goals as the reserves thrashed Carlisle 6-0 on Wednesday night. The former Wales U17 international slid in an inch perfect pass for his team mate net the sixth and final goal. Maloney came close to scoring twice before the end of the game, but was denied on both occasions by the legs of the keeper.

Michael Nardiello (WBA - striker) Opened the scoring the 25th minute as the Baggies beat the Saddlers in a reserve team encounter this week. The former Man Utd academy hit man squeezed in a first half goal as WBA beat Walsall 2-1 on Wednesday night. he was joined in the starting XI by Wales U21 international Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder).

Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff - midfielder) Scored for the youth team as their FA Cup youth run came to and end at the Emirates stadium against Arsenal. The fifteen year old prodded in after reacting quickest to a rebound is deemed to have a very bright future in the game. He is away with the U17's this week, representing his country in the double header against Denmark. The other scorer in the 3-2 defeat in London was Kyle Bassett (Cardiff - midfielder) who created chaos with his pace.

Rhys Williams (Middlesborough - defender) Played the full 90 minutes for the reserves this week against Man Utd. It was a good night for the U21 international, with the Aussie born defender putting in a good shift and marshalling the defence very well. The game evetually finished 1-1 with Williams coming close with a header during the first half.

Young guns news - Sunday 19-Feb-07

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Got another 90 minutes under his belt as the Addicks beat the Hornets 2-1 on Wednesday night. The Charlton U18 skipper has been a regular top peformer at all age groups this season and will look to make the step up to the U21's when the next campaign starts.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) Was another Wales U21 international to get 90 minutes under his belt this week. The former Swindon youth team member sat in central midfield alongside central defender Ian Pearce as the Cottagers drew 1-1 with Villa. It is thought that Collins may look to go out on loan as he continues to learn skills at senior level.

Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City - striker) Grabbed a goal after 75 minutes as the second string took a while to break down a stubborn Swindon XI. The Wales U19 international reacted quickest to a goalkeeping error to stab home as the Swindon defender finally crumbled. The City second string contained Dean Grubb (Bristol City - midfielder) and James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) with Christian Ribeirio (Bristol City - defender) on the bench.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) Scored from close range but it was not to be enough as former Wales international Paul Trollope, the Rovers manager slammed his side as they gave away a 2-0 lead at the weekend. Wales U21 international Haldane scored his sides second goal as they eventually slumped to a 4-3 defeat.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves/Stockport - goalkeeper) Has now kept six clean sheets in six games after making the loan move to Edgeley Park from. The Beaumaris born goalkeeper is enjoying life in the first team, with his new side firmly in the play off position. "The fans have really taken to me and backed me. They keep singing 'Wales' number one' and it's great to have that kind of support behind you. I'm happy to stay for an extra month, although at the end of the day my long term future is with Wolves." Wayne Hennessey.

Joe Jacobsen (Cardiff/Bristol Rovers - defender) After impressing for the U21's in Belfast now moves to Bristol on loan until teh end of the season after completing an earlier stay with Accrington earlier this season. The highly rated defender who has made two appearances for the Bluebirds this season will go straight into the squad for this weekends game against. "He is someone who is highly rated by Cardiff - he is very versitile and can play at left back, left midfield and at a push on the left side of central defence." Paul Trollope, Bristol Rovers manager.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) Showed off his dead ball skills as he set up one of his sides goals as the Southampton reserves cruised to a 4-0 win over Wycombe earlier this week. At the death James curled in a ball which was met with a powerful header to finish what turned out to be a comfortable day at the office.

Andy King (Leicester - striker) Helped Leicester U18 team extend the lead at the top of Group B in the Academy league. King the Wales U19 international scored his ninth of the campaign as the young Foxes sunk Cardiff 2-1 on Thursday afternoon.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Scored for the youth team as they put Burnley to the sword in a re-scheduled game this week. The former Wales U17 international scored his sides second goal as they beat Burnley 5-1.

Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) Will go on loan to Barnsley as he once again strives to kick start his season after being frozen out of Billy Davies' march for the Premiership. The Burton born defender has spent two months of the season on loan at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, and will now hope to get a few games under his belt as he tries to help Barnsley out of a relegation battle.

Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) Played in the back four as the Latics beat Chester 1-0 in midweek. The reserves left it late against Chester with a goal in the last 11 minutes to clinch the win.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) Pulled on a blue shirt for the first time this week since returning from a loan spell with Tamowrth. The Wales U19 international played for the reserves in the Birmingham Senior Cup against Willenhall Town as the Blues ran out 3-0 winners.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Is still being assessed after picking up a groin injury on international duty with the U21 side in Belfast. His team mate Callum Hart (Bournemouth - defender) is now back in training after picking up an ankle injury.

Owain Warlow (Lincoln - midfielder) Stepped off the bench for his senior debut last Saturday as the Red Imps beat Torquay 1-0. The U21 international came off the bench after 90 minutes to make his first appearance at Football League level, and will now hope to kick and make it a regular occurance during the second half of the season.

Young guns news - Sunday 11-Feb-07

Mark Bradley (Walsall - midfielder) Was a little apprehensive at first as he lade his U21 debut at the Oval, Glentoran fc on Tuesday afternoon. The young midfielder has been around the first team all season without quite getting the chance to step up into the starting XI.

"He is a level headed young man who is sure to have a role to play between now and the end of the season." Richard Money, Walsall manager.

Craig Davies (Wolves - striker) Looks like he will be fit for League duty this weekend after injury forced him out of the Northern Ireland international. The ex Verona striker had been suffering knee pain in the week but has recovered and may make an appearance against Preston on Saturday.

Mark Jones (Cardiff - striker) Scored a goal in both halves as the Cardiff youth team beat Sunderland 2-0 in the FA Youth Cup. His first came after he pressured the keeper into a mistake which he capitalised on and the second and killer blow was a poachers finish as he prodded home after a corner. The Bluebirds will face a trip to the Emirates stadium in the next round as they face the talented young Gunners.

Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) Is back in training after suffering a metatarsal injury a few weeks ago. The former Wales U17 international has suffered majorly with illness and injury and with the U18's into the second half of the season approaching, he will be ready to show his metal to earn a pro-contract for next season.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Is a doubt for Saturday's visit to Leyton Orient after picking up an injury playing for the U21's. Vokes injured a groin during his impressive debut in Belfast and will now face a race against time to be fit for the weekend.

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) Scored for the reserves this week to make up for the slight disappointment of not making the U21 squad this week. The Wales U19 skipper scored and was joined in the starting XI by Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City midfielder) and Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City - defender).

Young guns news - Sunday 4-Feb-07

James Constable (Walsall - striker) Has agreed to join Kiddermisnter Harriers for an undisclosed fee. The 21 year old striker completed an impressive loan spell with the Conference side and have now agreed to make the deal permanent.

Gregg Coombes (Cardiff/Oxford - midfielder) Played 76 minutes for the U's as they lost 1-0 to Rushden and Diamonds at the Kazam Stadium on Monday night. The central midfielder will stay on loan for a month as Dave Jones tries to give his youngsters some senior game time.

Jamal Easter (Cardiff/Torquay - striker) Has seen his stay at Torquay extended by another month. The Wales U21 international who has been at Bristol Rovers on loan already this season will hope to fire the goals to keep the Gulls in the League.

Russell Fry (Hull - midfielder) Got invloved as the Tigers reserves put a Rotherham second string to the sword on Thursday night. The Hull reserves dished out a 5-1 mauling, although it still remains to be seen where the dual qualified midfielders future lies after being farmed out on loan twice this season.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves/Stockport - goalkeeper) Kept two clean sheets in under a week as he celebrated his call up to the Wales U21 squad in a season that seems to be getting better and better after injury. The Anglesey born stopper wasn't troubled too much as County ran out 2-0 winners at the weekend against Wycombe and again in midweek as his side left it late to beat Wrexham 1-0.

Dale Williams (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Has been released by Shrewsbury and will now go on trial at Kidderminster Harriers as he looks to get his career back on track after a mystery illness. He played for Kidderminster on Tuesday and will now go to Cambridge Utd to train as he strives to build his fitness back up.