Welsh football players. - Young guns

Welsh Football Young Guns update news - by Owain Jones.

Young guns news - Sunday 29th January 2006.

Mitch Booth (Derby - midfielder) Drove home from 20 yards in the fiftieth minute as the Derby youth team beat Sunderland 2-0 to go top of Group D in the FA Premier Academy League. The Wales U19 international scored his sides second goal as the Rams go three points clear of second placed Leeds. He was joined in the starting XI by goalkeeper Steven Cann.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - midfielder) Again made it on to the senior bench as the Saddlers took on the Swans in the LDV Vans Southern Semi Final at the Liberty Stadium. He did not make it on to the pitch as Walsall crashed out on penalties. He also played the full 90 minutes as the reserve team beat Barnsley 2-1 with Bradley playing in the centre of defence during the second half.

Ramon Calliste (Liverpool - striker) Put in a fine performance for the reserves on Tuesday night according to reports on www.koptalk.com The Wales U21 international and his second string colleagues were watched by first team manager Rafa Benitez, and he will have hoped that with another good game under his belt he will have done enough to secure another year at the club.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Once again got another 90 minutes under his belt as the Baggies second string drew 1-1 with Middlesborough. Davies has been on the bench on several occasions for the seniors over the past few weeks as Bryan Robson tries to stave off relegation and a whole host of injuries.

Joshua Klein-David (Bristol City - midfielder) + Griff Jones (Bristol City - defender) + James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) All got some game time on Wednesday night under the gaze of first team manager Gary Johnson as the reserve side beat rivals Bristol Rovers 2-1. The game was a chance for Johnson to run the rule over seven youth team members who are seeking professional team contracts in the summer.

Christopher Flynn (Crewe - midfielder) Scored in the first half as the U18 team beat Liverpool 2-1 to prove that the youth team don't have the same hang ups and problems as the seniors at the moment. Flynn was joined in the starting XI by Owain Fon Williams (goalkeeper) who was ineligible for the FA Youth tie in midweek. The Liverpool team contained David James' nephew, James Frayne (striker).

Russell Fry (Hull - midfielder) Scored twice for the reserves but that was not enough to stop his side from slumping 6-2 to Blackpool in midweek. The former Wales U16 international bagged a brace but his side could not stop conceding goals at the other end. Hopefully the goals will now bring a change of luck for the youngster as he strives once again to break back into the first team squad for the Championship matches after initially getting an opportunity early in the season.

David Jones (Man Utd/NEC Nijmegen) Scored twice from the substitutes bench during the second half as he started life with his new club in style. The Welsh qualified midfielder once again showed his class by firstly converting a rebound from a saved penalty and then slid in his second with 15 minutes to go. He is in loan in Holland until the end of the season, and this win for Nijmegen propels them to fifth.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Was once again a part of the victorious Preston reserve side that beat Shrewsbury 3-1 on Monday night. Maloney the former Wales U17 international has been involved on several occasions this season and will now hope to push for further honours when the U19 side meet next.

Anthony Pulis (Stoke - midfielder) Has been linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium after finding a distinct lack of first team football following the departure of Pulis Snr. The Wales U21 international has been linked with moves to Tranmere, Wrexham and Darlington to name but a few clubs. Brian Little would not confirm his interest either way.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) Put in an impressive performance for the Yeovil U18 team at the weekend as they destroyed Swansea 6-1 at Huish Park. The Wales U19 international hit man assisted in three goals and got on the score sheet as the Swans were sunk. He was also a starter for the reserves this week as they drew 2-2 with Swindon.

Karl Yelland (QPR - defender) Played as a holding midfielder for QPR U18's last week in the 7-2 thrashing of Southend he has also played in the last three reserve matches the last as a right sided midfielder against Chelsea.

Young guns news - Sunday 22nd January 2006.

Gareth Bale (Southampton - defender) + Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) Advanced to the next round of the FA Youth cup as the Saints kept up a good tradition by beating Aston Villa by a goal to nil. James came close to scoring the the final 10 minutes, with his free kick striking the post.

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Was another Wales youth team player to make it into the next round of the FA youth Cup as Charlton over came Wolves 2-1 to advance. The young defender played the full 90 minutes and will now hope his side can make it all the way into the final.

Mitchell Booth (Derby - midfielder) + Stephen Cann (Derby - goalkeeper) Both started as the Derby youth team crashed out of the FA Youth Cup 2-1 to high flying Blackburn Rovers. It was Cann who was the busier of the two keepers, making several saves to keep his team in the hunt. The victorious Blackburn squad contained former Wales U17 international striker Abdhi Ahmed who was on the bench.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) Made a welcome return and a start for the reserves on Tuesday night as they beat Ipswich 2-0. The central midfielder successfully completed an hour of action before being replaced as planned. "It was pleasing to see Matty Collins back, it was his first start after a long-term hamstring injury and he got through the game with no reaction. He's worked ever so hard in his rehab, so it's good to see him return." Billy McKinlay, reserve team coach.

Craig Davies (Oxford - striker) May have turned down a move to Verona this week but his head was still right to score twice for the reserves as he ponders his next move in the game. With problems between him and U's manager Brian Talbot blocking a path to stay at the Kassam, he will have done himself no harm with a brace as the second string beat Barnet 4-2.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Was once again on the bench as Bryan Robson shuffled his pack as he strives to get some momentum into the season for the Baggies. The Wales U19 central midfielder came off the bench after 91 minutes as the game moved into extra time, with the Royals creating the shock of the night by running out 3-2 winners. Davies has been handed the number 26 shirt for the season.

Jamal Easter (Cardiff - striker) + Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) Bagged the goals that sank Bristol City in the reserve team encounter on Wednesday afternoon. It was Fleetwood who struck first with a cracking volley from the edge of the area to give his side the lead. And with only five minutes left on the referees whistle, Easter rounded the goalkeeper to score his sides second and the winning goal for the Bluebirds second string. The Bristol City starting XI contained James Wilson (defender) with the David Cotterill (striker) Gruff Jones (defender) and Sam Pearce (goalkeeper) on the bench.

Sean Evans (Man Utd - midfielder) Was another potential Welsh star to see his club move into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup as Man Utd beat Sunderland after extra time. The former Shrewsbury youth team member put in a right wing cross for his team mate to get the winner after 112 minutes. It still remains to be seen whether he has been approached by Brian Flynn with regards to turning out for the Wales U21 side, only time will tell.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) Even after reserve team heroics this week, it seems that the Wales U21 international has been placed on the transfer list by manager Dave Jones.

Michael Johnston (Tranmere - defender) Got through another 90 minutes for the reserves this week as he once again built on his senior team experience. The game finished in a 1-1 draw with Rovers taking the lead after 19 minutes.

Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - defender) The Wales U21 international will be another Welsh connection in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup after the young Eagles beat Tranmere 3-1 on Tuesday night. They will now look forward to a game against Watford or Millwall.

Dylan Williams (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Scored his sides first goal as the Shrewsbury Youth team took all three points against Carlisle last weekend. The youngster chanced his luck at the back post and was on hand to head home as the border men ran out 3-0 winners.

Young guns news - Saturday 14th January 2006.

Gareth Bale (Southampton - defender) Started 2006 with a win and a clean sheet, with the Wales U19 international in the heart of the U18 teams back four. The Southampton U18 team ran out 1-0 winners against Chelsea to once again highlight what a strong academy they have down on the South Coast. Bale was joined in the starting XI by fellow Wales U19 midfielder Lloyd James (midfielder) The week also held a few highs and lows for defender Bale, with the youngster starting for the reserves against West Ham on Tuesday night, but he was replaced after 15 minutes with a back injury.

Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) Has been invited to train with Everton as the Blues look to develop the Wales U21 international. The former Peterborough Utd youth team defender has signed his first pro contract with the club this season and has developed ever since, and word is now spreading to clubs about his potential. He spent last week on Merseyside with the Toffees as the Conference side had no game at the weekend.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) Made his return for injury last week as Fulham reserves played Chelsea. The former Wales U19 international came on for the final 30 minutes as the Cottagers lost 2-1 against the Blues. He will now hope to stay clear of injury and build up match fitness in the second half of the season.

Neil Eardley (Oldham - defender) + Sean Eardley (Oldham - defender) + Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) Were all in a back line that kept a clean sheet on Saturday as the Oldham youth team started the new year off in style with a 2-0 win over Carlisle. It was Eardley Jnr, Neil, who was involved in carving out an early opportunity as the Latics scored early to race into a lead they would not lose. The three were also part of the reserve team squad that beat Walsall 2-1 on Wednesday night. Sean Eardley came off the bench to step into the back four with 20 minutes to go with the other two remaining unused substitutes. The Walsall starting XI contained Mark Bradley (defender/midfielder) who got another 90 minutes under his belt.

Richard Evans (Sheffield Wednesday - midfielder) Has been playing for the Shrewsbury reserve team this week as his club ponder whether to allow him to leave on loan or on a permanent deal after they told him that he would not be offered a new contract at the end of this season. He played the full 90 minutes and impressed as the second string beat Blackpool 2-0 on Tuesday night. "Wednesday don't really play out-and-out wingers and there's a possibility they might let Richard go which might be out on loan or a more permanent deal." Gary Peter, Shrewsbury manager.

Peter Ferris (Carlisle - striker) Is on the slow road to recovery after stepping up his rehab and will be back running soon. The Wales U19 international will also be travelling to Lilleshall in a few weeks as he steps up his recovery from a very nasty knee injury even further.

James Frayne (Liverpool - striker) Scored his sides fourth goal as the Liverpool U18 team came from behind like the seniors to steal victory in the first Academy game after the winter break. The Welsh qualified striker who has yet to nail his colours to an international flag, will now hope this is the start of a rich vein of goals.

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) Has agreed to stay for the remainder of the season at conference side forest green rovers. He has gained valuable experience so far at a decent level, playing in 15 games and seeing his team to a six match unbeaten run as they moved out of the relegation zone. The former Wales U15 and U19 international has been watched by Brian Flynn by all accounts, as he looks to shape a new squad for the next campaign.

David Jones (Man Utd/NEC Nijmegen) Will start the next phase of his development with a loan spell in the Dutch League. The 21 year old Welsh qualified midfielder will play in the Eredivisie for the remainder of the season after Sir Alex deicided it would be a better for him to play for NEC Nijmegen rather than stay in the Championship with Preston.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) Played the for the reserves this week as they travelled to Chester. The former Wales U17 international played the full 90 minutes as the Lillywhites drew 2-2 with Chester.

Sam Pearce (Bristol City - goalkeeper) Got a taste of reserve team action this week as the Robins crashed to a late winner from Cheltenham. With the first team squad being transformed by new manager Gary Johnson, the Wales U21 international will hope to get more game time to prove that he has a fiture at Ashton Gate.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) Has a couple of chances and scored one as the Birmingham U18 side started 2006 in disappointing style with a loss to Midlands rivals Coventry last Saturday. The Wales U19 midfielder has a couple of chances and converted one to claim his sides equaliser in a game which the young Blues went on to lose 3-2.

Shane Sutton (Shrewsbury - defender) The Knighton born defender scored his sides only goal as they lost 4-1 to Burnley youth at the weekend. The Wales U17 training camp member scored his first goal of the season with a header from a free kick, but as the Shrews chased the game they conceded late goals.

Ben Vangucci (Rotherham - midfielder) Started for the Rotherham reserves on Wednesday night as they took on local rivals Sheffield Wednesday. The former Aberystwyth academy player played the full 90 minutes as the Millers drew 1-1 with the Owls.

Matthew Wells (Spurs - midfielder) Scored his sides equaliser just before half time in a tough encounter against the Bristol City U18 team. The Wales U17 training camp member slid in his sides equaliser past Wales U21 goalkeeper Sam Pearce who was being well protected by James Wilson and Joshua Klein-Davis in the Bristol defence.

Rhoys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - defender) Returned from injury to go head to head with Liam Norval (Leicester - defender) as the Eagles entertained the Foxes reserves on Wednesday night. In a high scoring game in which neither defence held strong the game was one by Leicester who ran out 3-2 winners.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) Was another player glad to be back after Christmas with a goal for the U18 team. The Wales U19 international struck the target as his side ran out 4-3 winners in a pulsating game against Bournemouth.

Karl Yelland (QPR - defender) Started for the reserves against Wycombe on Tuesday night. The former Wales U16 international played the full 90 minutes as Rangers drew 2-2 after conceding a late second half goal.