Welsh football players. - Young guns

Gareth Bale (Southampton - defender) Returned to youth team duty with a bang at the weekend with the Wales U21 international heading in his sides third goal in a 4-0 win over Blackburn to advance to the play off final. He was joined in the starting XI by fellow U21 internationals Kyle Critchell (defender) and Lloyd James (midfielder) The Saints will now meet Villa in the final today. It has also been widely reported that Bale is being coveted by Liverpool and Spurs.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - midfielder) Has been offered a one-year professional contract at the Bescot stadium after some impressive performances for the youth and reserve teams this year.

Ryan Crockford (Reading - midfielder) Has been informed by the club that he will not be offered a professional contract to stay at the Madjeski. The former Wales U17 squad member has been on loan with Aldershot and will now wait to see if he has done enough to be taken on next season.

Neal Eardley (Oldham - defender) Was another young gun given first team football over the weekend as manager Ronnie Moore gave youth it's head after the Latics failed to make the play offs. Eardley Jnr played the full 90 minutes and will have made his family proud in what has been a mixed season after the news that brother Sean could not continue his playing career due to a heart problem. We wish both all the best in their prospective careers. Llandudno born Eardley is in his second year at Boundary Park was praised by his manager after his display, which resulted in him getting an assist for his sides only goal in a 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe."He has got the ability and can only get better, there is no doubt about that. He didn't have a lot to do defensively but he got in some good tackles and uses the ball well. There is a lot to work with and he has a heck of a chance." Ronnie Moore, Oldham manager.

David Edwards (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Returned from his ankle injury to claim a starting place in his sides last game of the season against rivals Chester City. The Wales U20 international played the full 90 minutes with the border town outfit running out 1-0 winners.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) Bagged a double at the weekend but it was not enough to gain any points for his side as Rovers lost 3-2 to Macclesfield. The Welsh qualified striker scored with a volley and a fierce drive during a weekend in which he picked up an award for young player of the year from the club.

Michael Johnston (Tranmere - defender) Has signed his first professional contract with Tranmere this week. Johnston the Wales U17 and U19 international has been a regular member of the youth and reserve team this season and may now see next season as his big chance after the Wirral based team got relegated.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) Is back at home after having an operation oh his damaged knee this week. The talented play maker will now need a few weeks rest after having a tear to his cartilage repaired.

Shaun MacDonald (Swansea - midfielder) Was again prominent as the Swans smashed Chesterfield on their way to the play offs. The midfielder played 71 minutes before making way for the more experienced Tom Williams, but manager Kenny Jackett proved he is not afraid to give youth a go if he thinks they are good enough.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Impressively scored and created chances in his teams 4-1 U19 YAL win over Burnley. On Thursday his sharp wing play always threatened throughout Preston`s 5-2 win over Colchester in the national U19 YAC Final.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) After being on trial at Shrewsbury a month ago made an appearance for Yeovil on Saturday in their final game of the season against Colchester. The U19 international came on for the last 5 minutes as the Glovers drew 0-0 with Colchester. He like many of the other we speak of on this news report will now look forward to pre-season so he can get another chance to impress the manager.

Mike Williams (Wrexham - defender) + Marc Williams (Wrexham - striker) Don't get the credit they deserve from me on this web page, probably because youth always seems to be given it's head at the Racecourse and you just take it for granted. Mike in particular came in for a lot of praise for his mature performance at the heart of the defence. The Wales U21 international brothers have been very prominent in the Wrexham senior squad this season and both made an appearance yesterday in the 1-1 draw with Darlington.

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) Made the subs bench last Saturday as Gary Johnson gave him a look at first team football in preparation for next season. Wilson has been in fine form for the reserves and youth team, culminating in the emergence of Premiership scouts at youth games having a look at the U17 international. Even though the young defender was an unused sub at the weekend, he will now be even hungrier to make the step up over pre-season.