Everton’s Ryan Leads Wales For Double Challenge

Wales under-21 manager Robert Page. Pic: Getty Images.

Everton’s Ryan Leads Wales For Double Challenge

Everton’s Ryan Astley was Wales under-17 captain for back-to-back international friendlies against Scotland at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli.

Manager Robert Page selected Astley, from Llanfair Caereinion in Mid Wales, to lead the team for fixtures arranged to help preparations for the Uefa qualifiers.

Scotland, who take on Andorra, Denmark and Estonia in their group, won both matches against Wales 2-0.

Page and his Welsh squad travel to Hungary for their fixtures against the hosts, Kosovo and Netherlands.

Wales made six changes to the starting line-up for their second match against the Scots.

Ashley went close when he shot over from close range following a corner and Wales had the majority of possession.

They couldn’t make that count, though, and Dean Campbell put Scotland ahead from a first half penalty and Gregor Donald’s goal clinched their second win against Wales.

Dan Griffiths had twice gone close to equalising for Wales when full-back Donald’s cross into the penalty area drifted towards goal and looped over goalkeeper Luke Burton into the net from the left touchline.

The visitors, who have former Celtic and Wigan player Brian McLaughlin as manager, comfortably maintained their advantage before referee Ben Williams ended the game.

Keenan Patten (Cardiff City), Lewis Collins (Newport County), Lewis Clutton (Bristol Rovers), Morgan Boyes (Liverpool) and Neco Williams (Liverpool) all withdrew from the Wales squad because of injuries, while Terry Taylor (Wolves) opted to play for Scotland.

Taylor, a former pupil at Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Academy, qualified for both countries. He was born in Scotland, starting his career with local club Aberdeen, and has a Welsh mother.

The central midfield player was captain of Wales at junior level, but has switched allegiance to Scotland.

Wales team, game one: Luke Burton (Shrewsbury Town), Michael Ellery (Everton), Ryan Astley (capt, Everton), Sam Bowen (Cardiff City), Dan Griffiths (Liverpool), Jack Vale (Blackburn Rovers), Josh Hosie (Everton), Isaak Davies (Cardiff City), Callum Watts (Southampton), Cameron Evans (Swansea City), Sam Parsons (Cardiff City). Subs: Matthew Turner (Carmarthenshire) Ryan Barrett (Newcastle United), Edward Jones (Everton), Matthew Sargent (Wrexham), Joe Adams (Bury), Steffan Bulkeley (Wrexham), Rhys Hughes (Everton), Ryan Bevan (Swansea City), Oliver Brown (Birmingham City).

Wales team, game two: Scott Reed, Ryan Barrett, Edward Jones, Matthew Sargent, Michael Ellery, Ryan Astley (capt), Joe Adams, Sam Bowen, Dan Griffiths, Steffan Bulkeley, Jack Vale. Subs: Luke Burton, Rhys Hughes, Josh Hosie, Isaak Davies, Callum Watts, Cameron Evans, Ryan Bevan, Sam Parsons, Oliver Brown.

Uefa Under-17 Championship fixtures (all in Hungary): Tuesday, October 10 v Hungary; Friday, October 13 v Kosovo; Monday, October 16 v Netherlands.

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