Welsh football players. - Young guns

Welsh Football Young Guns update news - by Owain Jones.

Young guns news - Tuesday 27-Mar-07

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) Played the full 90 minutes as Cottagers drew 1-1 with Reading on Wednesday night. It has been a strong season for the U21 international, with the former Swindon midfielder now getting a regular run of games after a long absence through injury. The Reading starting XI contained Simon Church (Reading - midfielder) who has been a lively starter for the second string.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Was once again in the mix as Colchester Utd reserves beat Ipswich on Tuesday night. The former Wrexham youth team midfielder doubled his sides lead with an unstoppable free kick from 22 yards. It will have done his chances of impressing former Wales international Geraint Williams, the U's manager, no harm whatsoever.

Michael Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Kept up his prolific socring record with another goal for the U18 team last Saturday. The Wales U21 international was on hand to score his first goal in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town. The victory means that City have won their league group and will play in the national play off semi final.

Christopher Flynn (Crewe/Cambridge - midfielder) Had a bit of a tough time in his first appearance for the U's against Crawley last Saturday. The Wales U21 international played the full 90 minutes as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Dean Grubb (Bristol City - midfielder) + Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City - defender) + James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) All played as the reserve team won the second of their double header this week against Exeter City. Manager Gary Johnson was a spectator at Monday's 3-0 defeat against Yeovil, and urged a better performance in the second reserve game, and that's what he got as they ran out 1-0 winners.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) Was involved in a goal fest as the Saints reserves spanked Bournemouth 6-1 on Tuesday night. The Wales U21 international side footed home from 25 yards as the second string ran riot. "Lloyd James always gives you a performance. Lloyd and myself have had one or two run ins in the past, but this season he's been outstanding in most of the games he's played in and I think he is a boy with a future." Stewart Henderson, Southampton reserve team coach.

Michael Nardiello (WBA - striker) Saw his side beaten 3-2 by Derby at the weekend, but still managed to get on the score sheet. The ex Liverpool academy striker got his side back in the game only to see the draw slip out of their grasp with some late goals.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) Got a run out in an experienced Birmingham second string on Monday night. It was to be a goodnight for the Blues as they beat Bradford 2-0.

Chris Zebroski (Milwall/Oxford - striker) Has joined Oxford on loan as Jim Smith tries to make sure his side stay's within the top two. The six foot one Wales qualified striker went straight into the starting XI as the U's drew 1-1 with Halifax in midweek. He joins as Greg Coombes (Cardiff - midfielder) ends his stay with the Conference outfit and returns to Ninian Park.

Young guns news - Sunday 18-Mar-07

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Put in another shift for the reserve side this week as they drew 1-1 with Spurs. The Wales U19 international played 63 minutes of the London derby as both sides struggled in vain for a winner.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - defender/midfielder) Scored for the reserves as they made it three wins on the bounce. The hard working Bradley got on the end of his team mates cross to plant the ball firmly past the goalkeeper to seal the 2-0 win.

Ramon Calliste (Scunthorpe - striker) Played another 90 minutes for the reserves as he stepped up his recovery from knee injury. The Cardiff born striker didn't get on the score sheet but got through the whole duration of the game as his side lost 2-1 away to Hull City.

Simon Church (Reading - striker) Added to his season goals tally with a brace against Fulham last weekend. The Wales U21 standby striker has been in good form for the reserves and youth team, which has obviously brought him to the attention of youth supremo Brian Flyn. He is one player who will be keeping an eye on the announcements of any U21 squads for the qualifiers.

Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) Begins his second spell of rehab at Lilleshall this week. The Wales U21 international will be having Isokinetic testing which will provide detailed data to determine the next stage of rehabilitation.

Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City - striker) Claimed a goal in the reserve team thrashing of Weymouth on Wednesday. The U19 international was one of six different scorers as the second string cruised to victory. He was joined in the starting XI by Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City - defender).

Michael-Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Kept up his white hot scoring form with another goal for the U18's as the inched nearer the national semi-finals with a win over Barnsley last Friday. City are now 18pts clear of rivals Bolton and the another win will put them out of site. It seems the U21 international can not stop scoring, with the St Asaph born striker also bagging the winner against Everton in Kenny Jacketts first game in charge of the reserves.

Christopher Flynn (Crewe - midfielder) Has joined Camrbidge Utd on loan for a month. The Wales U19 international can play anywhere across the back four or in midfield. He is likely to step straight in on the left hand side of midfield against Crawley on Saturday. "Their assistant manager thinks he's been unlucky not to play a few more games this season. So hopefully he will take his opportunity and do a good job and help us out." Jimmy Quinn, Cambridg Utd manager.

Chris Gunter (Cardiff - defender) Made another cameo appearance off the bench for the Bluebirds against Southampton on Tuesday night. The right back got just under half an hour under his belt and impressed as City drew 2-2 at St Marys.

Peter Gilbert (Sheffield Wednesday - defender) The forgotten man made an appearance for the Owls in the midweek win over Colchester. The former Wales U21 international has seen his career hit the skids of late, but it seems that manager Brian Laws may have thrown him a bone.

Gerwyn Jones (Tranmere - defender) + Ashton Taylor (Tranmere - defender) Stepped up their return from injuries with assured performances as the Tranmere U18 team won 3-1 last Saturday.

Mark Jones (Cardiff - striker) Scored twice in midweek as the Bluebirds reserves beat Hereford 2-1. His first came as he met a cross at the back stick to volley home, and the second was a calmly slotted winner in a crowded penalty box.

Josh Knight (WBA - forward) Has accepted a scholarship with the Baggies which he will start in July. The 16 year old Swansea born forward has recently been chosen for the Wales U17 side and will travel to Turkey with Brian Flynn's side.

Michael Nardiello (WBA - striker) Levelled against Sunderland last Saturday only to see the points slip away in the second half. The young Nardiello saw his strike wiped out as the Mackems ran out 2-1 winners.

KC Owen (Oldham - forward) Made a first start at reserve team level on Monday night against Wrexham. The Holyhead born first year apprentice could have also marked his debut with a goal, but shot wide from a corner. The Latics rearguard was held together by the 19 year old Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) who at the heart of the defence gave an assured display. They were joined in the second string squad by Wales U17 international Daniel Knight (Oldham - defender) who was an unused sub. Both Pearson and Owen also made appearances for a second time in two days as the reserves claimed a double victory with a win against Bury on Wednesday night.

Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff - midfielder) Who will travel with the Wales U17 squad next week managed to get on the score sheet for the reserves this week against Yeovil. The Caerphilly born schemer scored with a superb 25 yard strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar. The game finished in a 4-2 win for the Bluebirds.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Returned to action last Saturday as he stepped up his rehab after groin and knee injuries following his trip away with the Wales U21 squad. He also netted on his return for the youth team and managed to get just over an hour under his belt. There was a double celebration for manager Kevin Bond as Vokes got through 63 minutes of reserve team action.

Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - defender) Is back in training after a serious knee injury put an end to his impressive pre-season form. It is expected that he will be back in full contact training at the end of the month.

Rhys Williams (Middlesborough - defender) Has had his season brought to a premature end after learning that he needs a complete rest to cure his pelvic injury.

Young guns news - Sunday 11-Mar-07

Ramon Calliste (Scunthorpe - striker) Has stepped up his involvement with the first team squad after an ankle fracture dislocation in pre-season. The former Man Utd and Liverpool striker made an appearance for the reserves this week in the 3-3 draw with York City.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Was on trial with Colchester this week as his time with the Baggies seems to be drawing to a close. It seems a change in manager does not always help progression, and after manager Bryan Robson's departure, the new man in charge, Tony Mowbray does not see the same qualities. The Wales U21 international got 90 minutes on Tuesday night in front of the U's management team.

Michael Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Banged in another goal for the academy as they beat West Brom 3-1 last Saturday morning. The City U18 team are now 15pts clear at the top at the top of the table with only six games to go.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) Has been linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday as the end of season summer merry go round takes off. The Wales U21 international has had a stop start starting spot this season and it remains to be seen whether this will come to fruition, but it would certainly be a good move for the former Southampton academy striker.

David Jones (Derby - midfielder) Scored in front of the SKY cameras on Friday night as the Rams put Geraint Williams' Colchester Utd to the sword at Pride Park. The dual qualified midfielder struck in the second minute with a sweet volley as the moved into pole position for the best part of day. He also capped off a fine week with a brace against Norwich at Carrow Road as the Rams came from behind to beat the Canaries 2-1. Although no one is to blame for the players reluctance to pin his international colours to any country at the moment, the ex Man Utd starlet is showing glimpses of the form that has Brian Flynn and Ryan Giggs bending his ear to choose Wales.

Kyle Letheren (Barnsley - goalkeeper) Has signed a new contract at Oakwell until the summer of 2008. The Llanelli born keeper has impressed during his time at the club and is a regular at reserve team level.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Is on the road to recovery after suffering from a tight groin and then a trapped nerve in his back. Although a slight set back and a knee injury suffered in training means he will probably be missing this Saturday against Northampton.

Owain Warlow (Lincoln - midfielder) Got just under half an hours match action on Saturday as the Red Imps crashed 2-1 to Mansfield. The Ysgol Rhydfelen ex pupil has been on the fringes for the past few months and it seems now is ready to make the step up to senior football. His team mate Lee John Beevers (Lincoln - defender) won't quite the game so fondly after being sent off harshly for a dubious penalty award from the referee.

Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough - defender) Played just under 45 minutes as the Boro reserves drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Wednesday night. After his Wales U21 cap in Belfast, Williams has been a regular with the reserves after suffering with injury at the start of the season. The Australian born centre half could have capped it all off with a goal, but his header sailed wide of the target.

Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) Was again on the substitutes bench for the Latics as they drew 1-1 with Carlisle last weekend. With the return of Neal Eardley (Oldham - defender) after suspension it was thought that the youngster would drop back out, but manager John Sheridan has stuck by the defender. He also appeared in the reserve team encounter against Carlisle in midweek as they lost 1-0. He was joined in the squad by Daniel Knight (Oldham - defender) who was an unused substitute.

Young guns news - Sunday 4-Mar-07

Lee John Beevers (Lincoln - defender) Scored with a fine finish as the Red Imps drew 2-2 with Accrington Stanley last Saturday. The left sided defender has been in fine form this season, prompting manager John Schofield to invite U21 manager Brian Flynn to come down to watch him and Owain Warlow (Lincoln - midfielder) in action.

Simon Church (Reading - midfielder) Was in fine form in midweek as the Royals reserves beat Fulham 1-0. The Wales U21 standby player terrorised the Fulham left hand side and was a constant thorn in a game in which Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) came closest to scoring for the Cottagers.

David Edwards (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Looks like he will be leaving Gay Meadow after the end of the season after manager Gary Peters resigned himself to losing the athletic midfielder. It seems that the U21 captain and his agent have told the club that it's not about the money but about making the step up to Championship level, although the manager think he would be better suited to staying put for another season.

Michael Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Kept up his hot streak with a goal as the U18 team beat the Toffees 3-1 last weekend. The St Asaph born striker slotted calmly from the spot to grab his sides first goal.

Sean Evans (Man Utd - midfielder) Was outstanding for the reserves in miweek as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Newcastle. The Welsh qualified youngster nearly made it two goals in two reserve team outings after bursting forward from a make shift left back position but his shot was saved by Srnicek.

Gerwyn Jones (Tranmere - defender) + Ahston Taylor (Tranmere - defender) Both returned to action last week after 10 weeks out with injury. The Wales U16 internationals got 90 minutes game time for the youth team and will now hope to finish the season strongly.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Scored his sides only goal as youth based second string lost 3-1 to Oldham on Wednesday night. The Wales U17 international pounced on indecision in the back four to score from eight yards with two minutes remaining in the game. The Latics starting XI contained Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) with U17 international Daniel Knight (Oldham - defender) on the bench.

Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) Profited from Neal Eardley's (Oldham - defender) suspension by making the bench for Oldham's game against Bournemouth last Saturday. The former Wales U16 international was an unused sub, but will take heart from his first introduction of senior football.

Michael Johnston (Tranmere - defender) Was another youth international making the bench last weekend. The Wales U19 international was an unused sub as Tranmere crashed 3-1 to Leyton Orient, and like Pearson will surely have been pleased to have been involved on match day.

Christian Ribeirio (Bristol City - defender) Scored from a corner as the City U18 team thrashed West Ham 4-2 last Saturday morning. It has been a break through season for the multi qualified Wales U19 international Ribeiro, with many realising that there are a few young Welsh stars in the Bristol City academy.

Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) Made the reserve team bench on Monday night as the West Ham second string covered themselves with a bit more glory than the senior side did last weekend. The game finished in a 1-1 draw with Saunders an unused sub but with 68 minutes more under his belt after a youth team start last Saturday.