SPORTS reporter Dean Jones picks out six Caernarfon Town players that warrant significant consideration for first-time call-ups to the Wales C squad during their latest international with England at The Oval next year.
Leo Smith:
This appears to be a no-brainer given the way Smith has started the season for the Canaries.
The former Wrexham youngster has thrived at The Oval since arriving on a permanent basis this summer, turning in a series of exceptional displays that have seen him emerge as one of the most gifted young players anywhere in the JD Cymru Premier.
His ability to drive the team forward from midfield areas has been a revelation for Sean Eardley’s side, with his tireless work ethic and energy in aid of the team going down extremely well with the club’s loyal fan base.
There is no doubting the impact Smith could make at international level from a semi-professional perspective, and this fixture would be another fantastic shop window for Smith in terms of getting another chance within the English football league.
Nathan Craig:
The ultra-consistent Cofis’ skipper narrowly missed out on selection earlier this year due to injury, and he will be hoping his outstanding contribution so far this term is enough for Mark Jones to give him the nod at his home ground.
Craig’s impact throughout the Town set-up cannot be underestimated, with the versatile former Everton trainee emerging as a superb role model both for younger members of the squad and the wider community.
His ability to lead, motivate and inspire have further enhanced his overall qualities on the pitch in recent years, making him a prime candidate for selection to the squad.
Darren Thomas:
A mercurial talent who is as good as anyone on his day, Thomas has come of age so far this season, displaying the sort of creativity and nous in the final third that has seen emerge as one of the club’s greatest ever players.
There is nothing that Thomas cannot do with the ball at his feet, and he has proven some doubters wrong over the last 18 months who questioned whether or not he could perform consistently at top-flight level.
He is a difference-maker, and any squad looking to achieve success should have at least one of those involved.
Ryan Williams:
Town’s “Mr Dependable” is another that has been at his brilliant best wherever he has been utilised by manager Sean Eardley this season, becoming a key component in the Cofis’ squad in the process.
The sky is the limit in terms of what Williams can go on to achieve in the future if he continues to develop at his current rate, and his versatility to play virtually every outfield position with aplomb is a testament to his overall ability and character to put the team needs before his own.
These are traits that will stand him in extremely good stead going forward, and the Wales C squad could be the next notable milestone for Williams’ exceptional recent development.
Sion Bradley:
A creative influence who has grown in confidence this season, Bradley’s influence has grown this season as he continues to thrive playing in the JD Cymru Premier.
Some viewed Bradley’s signing from Porthmadog as something of a gamble given his relative inexperience at top-flight level, but he has proven his worth over the last 18 months and really made a lasting impression on the club on and off the pitch.
His ability to pick out probing passes consistently is something that really sets him apart from others playing at his position, with Bradley’s composure in attacking situations another standout feature of his play so far this term.
Jamie Breese:
The prolific striker’s first season in the JD Cymru Premier may have been littered with inconsistencies in terms of his fortunes in front of goal, but there is no doubting Breese has rectified this during the current campaign after being challenged in pre-season by Eardley and the management team.
Breese’s contribution is much more than just goals. He is fantastic at bringing others into play and defends extremely well from the front.
He has now adjusted fully to the rigours of top-flight football and has improved his goal-scoring fortunes, something that makes him a real threat and one of the most well-rounded players operating at his position.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here