Welsh football players. - Young guns

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Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones

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Young guns news - Saturday 28th August 2004.

Adam Birchall (Wycombe - striker) - Got his first taste of life in Division two as a half time substitute as his new side crashed to a 3-0 loss against Rochdale. It could be an interesting few weeks for the youngster as he tried to impress whilst on month's loan. He also started the Carling Cup game in midweek against Bristol City, but failed to get on the score sheet as Wycombe crashed out 1-0.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Benefited from the Carling Cup game on Tuesday by getting his first start of the season against Northampton. The former Wales U21 goalkeeper lost the number one jersey last season after a recurrence of an injury, and was looking forward to a rare opportunity to show boss Andy Hessenthaler what he could do. It was not to be winning start for him though as his side were beaten 2-1 by Northampton. Andrew Crofts (striker) was an unused sub for the Gills.

Ramon Calliste (Man Utd - striker) - Got in a full 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday night, but failed to get on the score sheet. The Cardiff born starlet was in a Red Devils side that dominated the game but failed to create enough chances for the forwards. He was joined in the starting XI by Welsh qualified midfielder David Jones. The Wolves bench contained Wales U19 goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Was another Welsh youngster was blooded during the Carling Cup. The Gloucester born forward was an extra time substitute for Andy Campbell as the Bluebirds scraped through on penalties against Kidderminster. He is another player who must still be buzzing after winning his first U21 cap against Latvia. He was also on target as Cardiff reserves beat Plymouth 2-0 on Wednesday. He was joined on the score sheet by former Wales U17 midfielder Jon Kift.

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Helped his side keep a clean sheet as they beat Derby U18's 3-0 on the first weekend of the U18 league. The talented Wales U19 full back was up against Wales U17 full back Lewin Nyatanga in the Rams defence. David Evans (Charlton - midfielder) was an unused substitute.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Was partnered by Wales U21 squad member Rhys Carpenter (striker) in the reserve forward line against rivals City this week. It was Haldane who got on the score sheet with a header that put his side back ahead, but it was short lived as his side was comprehensively beaten 5-2. It has not been quite the explosive start to the season it was last year for Haldane, and will now hope that his goal will give him the confidence to push for a first team berth.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Was on hand with an assist as Southampton's U18 team kicked off the new U18 league with a 3-1 win over Crewe. The Bristol born midfielder was joined in the starting XI by Wales U19 defender Kyle Critchell.

Liam Powell (Leicester - full back) - Started for the reserves on Monday night as they took on Norwich City. The Cardiff born full back acquitted himself well as a young Foxes second string drew 3-3 in a pulsating encounter that gave the fans full value for money. The defender is also on standby for next months U21 game against Azerbaijan.

Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Must have carried back his good vibes from Riga, as a week after winning his first cap for the Wales U21's, he started the Carling Cup game against Brentford. He also kept his second clean sheet in the space of a week as the Tractor Men beat the Bees 2-0 with the young stopper making several fine saves.

Simon Spender (Wrexham - defender) - Appeared off the bench during the dying moments of the second half of Wrexham's Carling Cup encounter with Hull on Tuesday night. The Wales U21 squad member was then thrust into extra time and penalties as the Dragons saw off the highly fancies Tigers 3-1 on penalties. It seems that the Carling Cup will be great stage for many of our top youngsters to be blooded, so the longer the clubs stay in, the better it will be for them.

Young guns news - Friday 20th August 2004.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Fresh from his trip away with the Wales U21's will spend the next month on loan at Wycombe under the watchful eye of ex Gunner legend Tony Adams. The 19 year old has been at the club for nine years and will be in the squad for tomorrow's encounter with Rochdale. The talented hitman will now have the chance to get some football league experience under his belt, and has also been made available for the Carling Cup game against Bristol City.

Rhys Carpenter (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Will start the new season with Bristol Rovers after moving from Burnley. The talented striker hasn't had much luck with injuries over the past couple of seasons and will now hope to make an impression at his new club.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Came up against fellow Wales U19 squad member Scott Thyer (Spurs - striker) as the second string teams clashed on Tuesday night. Collins was on from the start and was unlucky with a thirty yard screamer. The game petered out to a goal less draw, but it was again a good opportunity for the talented youngsters to gain more senior game time.

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - central defender) - Made sure that Wales had a representative in the Southampton reserves while Arron Davies was away on international duty. The talented centre half was a member of an impressive back four which played in a big part in the 4-1 thrashing of Derby on Monday night. The Derby starting XI contained Daniel Martin (defender) with Lewin Ngyantanga (defender) joining from the bench in the second half.

Ryan Crockford (Reading - midfielder) - Was on hand with an assist as Reading's U18's got preparations under way for the new season in great style with a 2-1 win against Chelsea. The former Wales U17 squad member will be a vital part of the armory this season, as the young Royals get to grips with the new U18 league.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) - Is another of Wales' young charges who got some valuable playing time for the reserves this week, as he stepped off the bench in the second half to replace Ronnie Wallwork in the game against Everton. The game finished 0-0 but the Wales U19 midfield enforcer must have been pleased to get a run out in an experienced Baggies second string.

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Was again impressive in the Leeds second string defence on Monday, unfortunately it was not enough as his side crashed to Aston Villa. The former Wales U19 defender will know that if he keeps on pushing and training hard, he will get a chance at first team level as the first team squad is thread bare due to the financial problems that are crippling the club.

Wayne Hennesey (Wolves - goalkeeper) - Was on the bench for the reserves during a friendly against Port Vale this week. Although the Angelsey born stopper was an unused sub, he will no doubt get some valuable game time during this season.

Danny Murphy (QPR - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes for the reserves against Colchester Utd on Tuesday night. The former Wales U16 squad member put in a gritty performance as he assisted the defence in keeping a clean sheet.

Mathew Rees (Millwall - defender) Has signed for Crawley Town on a non-contract basis. I think a lot of supporters were surprised that his home town Swansea did not sign him after good reviews during his loan period from Millwall last season.

Matthew Somner (Brentford - defender) - Has joined Swansea City on a trial period after being frozen out of the first team by Bees manager Martin Allen. The Wales U21 international will play some part of next Wednesday's reserve game against Bath as he strives to convince Kenny Jackett that he is the man to shore up a leaky Swans defence.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Has just come back from concussion and a knee injury received during a friendly in pre-season. He has been out for four weeks. The talented youngster played a friendly for the U18's v Fulham Academy U18's and played 80 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly for the reserves v Bristol city and is now close to being fully match fit and ready to fight for a place in first team.

Young guns news - Wednesday 11th August 2004.

Matthew Cook (Chester - midfielder) - Has earned himself a pro contract at newly promoted Chester City after catching manager Mark Wright's eye. The former England and Liverpool centre half wants more time to cast an eye over the former Wales U19 midfielder.

Arron Davies (Southampton - striker) - Has been in very impressive form during pre-season as he works his socks off to try and impress Paul Sturrock. The Cardiff born striker has scored seven times in five starts for the reserves. Consisting of a brace against Forest Green Rovers, Team Bath and Basingtoke and one in the second half versus Eastleigh. It has once again some as a shock to me, why he hasn't been included in the U21 squad as he is regularly hitting the back of the net for the reserves. Glyn Hodges has chosen Ramon Calliste, Stuart Fleetwood and Dylan Hughes head of him. He has been joined on several occasions in the starting XI by Kyle Critchell (defender) and Lloyd James (midfielder).

Richard Evans (Sheffield Wednesday - midfielder) - Has been given a two month contract as he battles his way back from a knee injury. The former Wales U21 saw his chances of impressing manager Chris Turner destroyed after a cruciate knee ligament injury at the start of last season.

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) - Has been playing regularly with Colin Calderwood's first XI during pre-season. Reading between the lines, it seems more important for him to be with his club at this present time as he strives to make a first team break through on a regular basis than traveling with the U19's to Colleraine.

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Has agreed to go on a season long loan to Barnsley as he looks to get more playing time under his belt. The Welsh qualified striker spent three months at Oakwell last season and was an instant hit. It is still not known whether he has made any decisions on where his international future lies.

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Will start the season on loan with Torquay Utd as he strives for first team football. The Wales U20 international signed a new contract and will now hope he can once again shine on loan as he did with Oldham last season.

Sam Pearce (Bristol City - goalkeeper) - Has been involved with the first team squad during pre-season friendlies. The former Wales U17 stopper, travelled down to South Wales as one of only two keepers for the game against Newport County.

Liam Powell (Leicester - defender) - Has been on tour with Leicester City's first team during pre-season, making several appearances from the subs bench. With the Midlands club back in the Championship and budgets tighter, there may be an opening at the Walker Stadium should he impress Micky Adams.

Russell Fry (Hull - striker) - Has been flying during pre-season training as he works his way back to full fitness after an injury ravaged end to last season. The Welsh qualified striker has impressed current manager Peter Taylor with his qualities, in what is a very strong Tiger squad.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Is another Welsh qualified youngster who has been in and around the first team squad during pre-season. The talented hitman has been coming on as a substitute as his side prepare for another strong title challenge under manager Gary Johnson. Let's hope that the Welsh youth management take another look at him.

Lee Worgan (Rushden and Diamonds - goalkeeper) - Will start the season at Nene Park after earning himself a one year contract with Rushden and Diamonds. The talented Wales U21 squad member will now look to force his way into the first XI.