Welsh football players. - Young guns

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Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones

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Young guns news - Saturday 27th November 2004.

Mitchell Booth (Derby - midfielder) + Dan Martin (Derby - defender) - Both started on Tuesday night as Derby reserves went down by a goal to nil to Spurs. Booth figured quite heavily before being replaced early in the second half after Tottenham went ahead. Martin was joined by Lewin Nyatanga (defender) during the last quarter of the game.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Has decided to return to Highbury rather than stay for the remainder of the season at Wycombe. After Tony Adams' resignation, the young Wales U21 striker has decided that the time has come to return Arsenal rather than stay on at the Causeway Stadium. During his three months on loan he scored five goals in fifteen appearances.

Richard Duffy (Portsmouth - defender) - Returns to Fratton Park this week after coming to an end of his two month loan spell at Burnley. The former Swan made nine appearances and scored the winner in the league game against Leeds Utd at Elland Road. He will now hope to push for a first team squad place at Pompey after getting valuable game time with the Clarets. He was straight back into action as well as Pompey's reserve team lost 3-1 to Palace at the start of the week. He was joined in the starting XI by reserve team captain, Anthony Pulis (defender)

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Once again got 90 minutes under his belt for the reserves, but his performance would be over shadowed by the appearance of Antonio Nunez in a Liverpool shirt. The former Wales U19 international has once again been heavily involved with the reserves this season, and will hope that he can turn that into a squad place before the seasons out.

David Jones (Man Utd - midfielder) - Was once again at the hub of things as Man Utd's reserves beat Everton 3-1 on Thursday night. The Welsh qualified midfielder got an assist to his name with a superb back heel to set up Chris Eagles for his sides equalising goal. Jones was joined in the squad by Ramon Calliste (striker) who was on the bench.

Griff Jones (Bristol City - defender) + Sam Pearce (Bristol City - goalkeeper) - Played their part as Bristol City's Youth team marched into the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a 4-1 against Sutton Utd at Ashton Gate. Pearce the former Wales U17 stopper was in good form making a string of saves as he forced into action during the second half. The third member of the Welsh alliance, David Cotterill (striker) was unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) + Simon Spender (Wrexham - defender) - Are two youngsters getting game time as the Dragons search for a light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel this season. After a great start to the season, Dennis Smith has seen his side take a dip in form of late as matter off the field cast a large cloud over the on field activities. The obvious silver lining for the Racecourse club has been the emergence of players such as Spender, Crowell and Mark Jones, and should the club lose a few star performers as Hector Sam and Stephen Roberts they might well get a lot more game time.

Daniel Murphy (QPR - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday night as a very young Rangers second string drew 0-0 with a much more experienced Oxford Utd side. The former Wales U16 squad member is another Welsh qualified youngster who will now hope to kick on and become a regular member of the reserves.

Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Made an impressive debut for Cambridge on Saturday as he started his months loan at the Abbey Stadium. The Wales U21 number one was in fine form and made some excellent saves as the U's ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. With Jason Brown (Gillingham) back in favour and Price now getting some valuable experience, John Toshack may be able to bring down the average of his goalkeeping department at least.

David Vaughan (Crewe - defender/midfielder) - Was in sublime form on Saturday as Crewe dispatched Gillingham in a 4-1 win at the weekend. The Rhuddlan born wing back/midfielder knows that with Hughes having left the scene and with John Toshack keen to bring the average age of the squad down that there might well be an opportunity for him to show case his talent come the New Year. The Wales U21 ace has won more "Man of the Match" awards than anyone else at Gresty Road this season, and must be pleased with his progress to date. There was also another start for Andrew Crofts (Gillingham mdifielder/striker) and Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper)

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Was once again in great form as Yeovil's Youth team powered into the next round of the FA Youth Cup with a 4-0 win against Brentford. The Yeovil captain bagged his sides fourth goal as they trounced The Bees and advanced into the draw for the third round.

Young guns news - Sunday 21st November 2004.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves - goalkeeper) - Won all the plaudits for an outstanding performance for the U18 side against Everton last Saturday. The Anglesey born goalkeeper has caught the attention of Glyn Hodges this season, and has already had a few games for the reserves since the start of the new campaign.

David Jones (Man Utd - midfielder) - Scored his sides first goal as Man Utd's reserves showed that it's not just the first team that know how to beat Newcastle as they cruised to a 3-0 victory against the Magpies. The Welsh qualified midfielder must be one of the players that new manager John Toshack must convince to choose the red of Wales if he is to have a bright future. With Andy Johnson, Mark Pembridge and Gary Speed having retired, things are looking thread bare in the centre of midfield and with not much depth, Jones could see himself in that role for years to come.

Liam Maloney (Preston - striker) - Scored for Merseyside boys U16 team as they drew 2-2 with Greater Manchester U16's on Saturday. The Wales U17 striker has seen his confidence grow after his trip away to the Netherlands with Ian Rush' squad and will now hope to make a reserve team appearance before the seasons out.

Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) + Dan Martin (Derby - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday night against Fulham but ended up on the losing side as the Cottagers with a first XI that included Alex Lawlesss (midfielder) the ex U19 cap ran out 1-0 winners. The Derby bench contained Mitchell Booth (midfielder) who was an unused sub.

Owen Price (Spurs - striker) - Made a comeback in the second half as Tottenham reserves beat Ipswich 2-0 on Monday night. The Welsh qualified striker has been missing over the past few weeks and will now be looking to get his fitness back and prove his undoubted talent in a white shirt.

Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Will start a loan spell with Cambridge Utd this Saturday as Joe Royle tries to give his young goalkeeper more first team experience. The Wales U21 stopper who has been excellent during a stand in for first choice Kelvin Davis will now hope to start against Rushden and Diamonds today. He will get a chance to catch up with rival U21 goalkeeper Lee Worgan (goalkeeper) who will start the game on the bench for the Diamonds.

Danny Thomas (Cardiff - striker) - Came on for the injured Stuart Fleetwood (striker) during the reserve team game with Swindon on Wednesday and bagged a brace as a young City second string beat Swindon 3-2. The first of the three goals was scored by Cameron Jerome (striker) who has been so impressive for the first team of late.

Young guns news - Friday 12th November 2004.

Lee Beevers (Boston - defender) - Opened the scoring with an unchallenged header as Boston cruised past Kidderminster last Saturday. The former Wales U19 international has been drawing a lot of attention from clubs in higher leagues this season and will now hope that he can push for a Wales U21 squad place.

Jamal Easter (Cardiff - striker) + Lloyd Jenkins (Cardiff - midfielder) - Scored as Cardiff City's U18 team beat Leicester at the weekend. It seems that the young Bluebirds are holding their own in the Premier Academy league and that will obviously pay dividend as Sam Hammam tries to nurture talent for the future.

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Hit the winning goal from the penalty spot as the Charlton U18's defeated Norwich 1-0 over the weekend. The left back struck his penalty cleanly that left the Norwich custodian with no chance. It has been an up and down start to the season for Gross who was a shining light last year but has found opportunities harder to come by during the new term.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Has signed a deal that will keep him at the Memorial Ground until 2007. The 19 year old former Southampton trainee has impressed manager Ian Atkins and has just signed a new three year deal. The striker was also on target on the field as he struck in the second half as Rovers second string beat Cardiff City 4-2.

"It shows the manager has faith in what I can do, and hopefully now I can take that one step further and get my place back in the team." Lewis Haldane

Lloyd James (Southampton -midfielder) - Wrapped up his sides scoring on Saturday as the Southampton U18 side cruised to a 4-1 win over West Ham. This was a 12th consecutive win for the U18's who are showing the senior team how to win matches at the moment. James was joined in the starting XI by Kyle Critchell (defender) and Gareth Bale (defender) who was on the bench.

Anthony Pulis (Portsmouth - defender) - Came on after 90 minutes at Ninian Park as Pompey cruised to a 2-0 win over the Bluebirds in the Carling Cup. The son of Tony Pulis the Stoke manager, who is an ever present in the reserve team will have been encouraged by his brief cameo and will now be hopeful of another appearance in the next round.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Was in sensational form for the Yeovil U18's v swindon in their 2-0 win in the FA Youth cup at county ground. His pace, skill and strength and all round contribution was excellent and
with swindon manager saying after the game that they could not handle him. Dale scored a fantastic goal, beating two players and with a powerful shot from 25 yards that went top corner, and also turned provider for the other goal, when he again beat two players and crossed into the box where it was met by his fellow forward.

Young guns news - Friday 5th November 2004.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Broke Swansea hearts with an early goal as Wycombe dumped the Jacks out of the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday night. The Wales U21 international struck from close range in the fourth minute to take his goal tally to five for the Wanderers this season.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Made some fantastic saves as his side brought an end to Dave Jones' reign at Wolves with a 1-0 win on Saturday. He also shone in midweek as Gillingham drew 0-0 with Watford, and the former Wales U21 came under increased bombardment from the Hornets front line, saving time and time again to earn his side a point. It was Brown's third consecutive start after getting the nod to replace Steve Banks in goal and contrasts greatly with the earlier part of this season, when Brown asked for a transfer after becoming frustrated at the lack of opportunities given to him by manager Andy Hessanthaller.

Michael Byrne (Stockport - striker) - Returned to action after 3 weeks out with a hamstring injury since his return from Conference club Leigh RMI. He Scored two goals and created numerous chances for his team mates in County's reserve game against Wrexham on Wednesday night. He will now hope that after his fine performance in midweek to be involved with the first team against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.

Danny Collins (Sunderland - defender) - Technically maybe not a Young Gun, but still in the earlier part of his twenties, Collins started for Sunderland on Saturday as they became yet another side to heap misery on Wolves with a 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light. If Collins makes a favourable impression during the next few months, the former Wales Semi-pro defender could well find himself called into the next Wales senior squad. With the retirement of Andrew Melville and the indifferent form and injuries that are plaguing Rob Page, we could do with another body to boost the numbers at the back.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Got 45 minutes under his belt for the reserves this week as the Cottagers took on Coventry. The Wales U19 midfielder played the second half as his side lost 2-0 as Collins replaced Sylvain Legwinski at the interval.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Was named on the substitutes bench on Tuesday night as Bristol City took on the Milton Keynes Dons in the LDV Vans Trophy. And after taking the field in the 72nd minute, he lit up the evening with some flashes of skill after coming on for Leroy Lita. His team ran out 2-1 winners in a tough game, and now Cotterill will take his growing confidence into the winter as he now pushes for a first team squad place on a regular basis. His confidence has grown and grown ever since he scored his first goal for the Wales U19's during their Euro qualifiying campaign.

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - striker) - Is determined to make the most of his break through this season as he casts a glance towards the Wales U21 squad. The former Wales U19 international who bounced back after being dropped a few weeks ago for the game against Millwall, is now setting his sights on another call up for his country - "Hopefully I can get into the full national squad an d play at the top level. I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Arron Davies (Southampton - striker) - Scored for the reserves in midweek to nudge coach Steve Wigley into remembering that there are more youngsters waiting in the wings for a chance in the first team. The Welshman got his sides second goal as he skipped past the Leicester defence after bursting into the box before slotting the ball home. I think all at Young Guns would like the Cardiff born youngster to get his chance this season, and hopefully with Steve Wigley at the helm, he will get that sooner rather than latter.

Richard Duffy (Portsmouth - defender) - Started in an unfamiliar position on the left wing in midweek as an injury ravaged Burnley took Leeds Utd. Nothing seemed to faze the Wales U21 international as he popped up to score the winner from close range as his side ran out 2-1 winners. The former Swansea full back seems to be enjoying his time on loan at Burnley and will hope to get more game time under his belt before returning to Fratton Park.

"I'm enjoying it here. I've been in and out of the team and obviously I'd like to play more regularly. Hopefully now I can start playing some more games. It's always been my dram to play in the Premiership and that ambition remains the same." - Richard Duffy

Joe Ledley (Cardiff - midfielder) - Was again star of the show as Cardiff City trounced West Ham 4-1 this week. The Wales U19 midfielder who is only 17 years of age scored one of his sides goals and continues to make a huge impression as one of Lennie's Bluebird babes.

Daniel Martin (Derby - defender) + Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) - Both started in a very young Derby reserve team on Monday night, with the oldest player being only 20 years of age. It was to be a rough experience for them though, with the Eagles running out 3-1 winners as the extra experience in their squad shone through. Martin and Nyatanga were joined in the squad by Mitchell Booth (Derby - midfielder) who was an unused substitute.

Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Started once again for the first team as he deputised for first choice Kelvin Davis on Saturday. The Wales U21 goalkeeper kept a clean sheet as an impressive performance saw his team move into second place in the Championship, as Joe Royle's collection of young guns continue to impress the scouts and the supporters. With Kelvin Davis now fit again, it seems that the manager has got a big decision to make with regards to the number 1 shirt.

Scott Thyer (Spurs - striker) - Drew some praise from U18 coach Pat Holland this week after some unselfish play set up his fellow strikers for one of his teams goals against Bristol City last Saturday. The Wales U19 striker who has seen his confidence dip a little this season, may now see some return to the form that saw many describe him as one of the best striking talents to emerge from the Principality for a very long time.