Welsh football players. - Young guns

Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones

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Young guns news - Friday 25th March 2005.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Returned to reserve team duty on Monday night as he started his comeback from injury with a bench berth against Southampton. Having just been called up to the U21 squad the striker was keen to get some game time under his belt before the double header with Austria. He could have bagged himself a goal towards the end of the second half, but his shot trickled past the upright after he had beaten the goalkeeper.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Started his first game in five months on Saturday as Gillingham entertained Ipswich. Brown has seen his career stutter over the past season and a half as a persistent string of injuries and the loss of the number one shirt to Steve Banks has blighted a good run in the first team. He will be excited by his new start, as Gillingham striving for Championship survival, drew 0-0 with third place Ipswich.

Michael Byrne (Northwich Victoria - striker) - Is now playing at Northwich Victoria FC in the national conference. He has played two full games and had 4 substitute appearances. 18 months of stop and start with injury and illness he has joined Steve Burr and Dave Moss's outfit to get some first team matches under his belt and to regain full fitness whilst looking to get back into league football next season. Byrne 19 is now feeling fully fit and ready for the challenge of the run in to the conference and is starting to feel fitter by the day and has benefited from extra weight training and dietary help.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Celebrated being on the Wales U21 standby list by smashing in his sides equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Coventry. The Wales youth international smashed the ball in from 15 yards as his side ground out a point against the Sky Blues. Collins was joined in the starting XI by Wales U19 international Alex Lawless (defender).

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) + Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Both figured for reserves on Monday night as both players make a push for recognition at the tail end of the season. The young Saints won the game 2-1 and have seemed to come of age as the season draws to a close.

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Lined up on the right hand side of very inexperienced Leeds reserves back four against Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Struck twice from the penalty spot to give the City reserves three points against Oxford on Wednesday. With the City first team short on goals at the moment, Fleetwood may well see these last few games of the season as a perfect opportunity to put his case for a regular start.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Got a rare start on Saturday as the Pirates took on Oxford on Saturday. Haldane has been a regular substitute this season without breaking into the starting XI. The game finished in a 4-4 draw with Haldane replaced after 46 minutes.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves - goalkeeper) - Got one up on Wales U21 colleague Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) as the Rams were dumped out of the FA Youth Cup after extra time by the Wolves. The Rams team contained Dan Martin (defender) and Mitchell Booth (midfielder) with the former in fine form as he drove his team forward. But it was not to be Derby's night as the Wolves ran out 2-1 winners.

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) - Is out in the States with the Preston U16 team at the moment as they try and win the prestigious Dallas Cup. Maloney scored as the Lillywhites beat the Texas Longhorns by 2-1 and are now one game away from the quarter finals. The tournament has gathered 145 teams and has show cased talents such as Kleberson, Beckham, Raul and Michael Owen.

Dan Martin (Derby - defender) - Got a chance to get youth team disappointment out of the system with a run out for the reserves on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace. It was not to be his week as Palace won by 4-1. He was joined in the second half by Mitchell Booth (midfielder) as the young Rams tried to contain the rampant Eagles.

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Gave a glimpse of what he can do as the Welsh qualified striker showed that his confidence maybe coming back with another goal for Barnsley on Saturday. The young Red Devil scored after 45 minutes as his side drew 1-1 with MK Dons.

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Has gone out on loan to Oldham as he seeks to get some game time after returning from injury. The Shropshire born defender spent three months on loan at Boundary Park last season and will now look to make another good impression with his contract at the Britannia Stadium coming to an end this season. The move came in time for the former Wales U20 international to make his first start in the 2-2 draw with high flying Luton at the weekend.

Scott Thyer (Spurs - striker) - Will travel home to South Wales as he strives to earn a contract with Swansea City. The Wales U19 hitman has failed to live up to his billing as the next big thing and will now have a week under the nose of Kenny Jackett as he tried to secure a future with his City of birth.

Rhys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - defender) - Was again given a starting place in the reserves against Derby on Wednesday evening. It was to be a very profitable night for the Palace reserves as they thumped the Rams by 4-1.

Young guns news - Friday 18th March 2005.

Thomas Carter (MK Dons - midfielder) - Got an assist to his name as the MK Dons U18's crashed to Coventry on Saturday morning. Carter floated over a corner for his team mate to equalise in a game which the Dons went on to lose 3-1. It will be interesting to see whether Carter makes the U19 squad during the friendlies in July, as Flynn seems to be very busy visiting Academies and clubs this season.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) + Alex Lawless (Fulham - defender) - Again tasted victory with the second string after a last minute goal sealed a victory for Fulham against Portsmouth on Wednesday night. Collins in particular will be in good spirits after seeing his recent form earn him a standby spot for Brian Flynn's U21 squad.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Got another start under his belt on Saturday as Bristol City took on Barnsley. The striker played the full 90 minutes as the game finished in a 0-0 draw. He also spoke quite candidly about his hopes and aspirations with regards to his international future this week, in an interview which will confuse the Welsh fans slightly. Contrary to what I thought initially, Cotterill qualifies to play for England through his English born father. "I think I'll probably play for Wales in the long term, but I might play for England. My Dad has phoned the English FA and told them I want to concentrate on Wales and club football for now. I don't want to rule anything out just yet though because I've still got a little time to decide who to play for in the future" - David Cotterill, in an interview that was taken from the Bristol City official web site www.bcfc.co.uk

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) + Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Both played a part as the Southampton reserves thumped Norwich 5-0 on Tuesday night. In a one sided game the Welsh youth internationals were very influential as the Saints roasted the Canaries. James in particular looks like he is starting to hit his straps as the season draws to a close, with Critchell also assisting his fellow defenders to keep a clean sheet in a week where he is on the standby list for the Wales U21 side.

David Edwards (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Headed in his sides first goal as Hull were dumped out of the Pontins reserve league cup on Tuesday afternoon. The border town club will now advance to the final after the 4-0 win against Hull.

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Was back in the starting XI for the Leeds reserves this week as they took on Middlesborough. The game finished in a 1-1 draw with an own goal giving Leeds a share of the points as Edwards played the full 90 minutes.

Tom Evans (Swindon) Has returned to action after a three month injury spell and last week completed 90 minutes with the youth team who beat Wycombe 2-1 to reach the semi finals of the Alliance Youth Cup. Tom is a member of the Welsh U16 development squad and hopes to make the Victory Shield squad later this year.

Matthew Holt (Everton - defender) - Played in a very young Everton XI in the Nat West Liverpool Senior Cup this week this week. Holt played in a back four as the Toffeemen battled through 3-2 and will now march on to the final, with the Welsh qualified youngster keen to keep his place for the final.

Michael Walsh (Chester - midfielder) - Has finalised his full time contract with Chester City and will now look to build on his impressive cameo appearances this season.

Rhys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - defender) - Came up against Liam Norvall (Leicester - defender) and the Foxes reserves on Wednesday night. Wiggins was making a rare start for the reserves at left back in a game which the Foxes won 2-1 on the night, but which will stand him in good stead for the rest of the season.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Showed another glimpse of what he is capable of with another goal as the Yeovil reserves won a thriller against Swindon. Williams scored after only 5 minutes as Yeovil beat Swindon 4-3 at The County Ground.

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) - Put in a fine performance as the City U16 team beat Birmingham at the weekend. The youngster was a part of a back three which contained an Blues outfit which included two England internationals in the front line. The City U16 team are now unbeaten in 2005 and will look forward to an even better run as the season draws to a close.

Young guns news - Friday 11th March 2005.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - midfielder) - Ran the show as the Walsall youth team beat Yeovil 3-2 on Saturday. The Wales U17 midfielder scored his sides third goal after he started and finished the move, heading in to give his side the winning goal. Bradley also started for the reserves in their encounter with Hull on Wednesday as the second string drew 1-1. The Tigers goal was set up by a Russell Fry cross.

Michael Byrne (Northwich Victoria - striker) - Will start to rebuild his career at Northwich Victoria after being released by Stockport County last month. The former Wales U19 striker made his debut for the Vics against Hereford last week will now look to prove himself and make the move back up the league ladder.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Gets special mention from reserve team coach Pat Nevin after his performance for the reserves against West Ham this week. Collins was playing in centre midfield and played the full 90 minutes in the London derby. "Matthew Collins also performed very well, it was one of his better games and he's looking a lot sharper in the middle of midfield now." - Pat Nevin, reserve team manager.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Worryingly has been called up to an England U18 training camp after some fantastic performances attracted the attention of the English selectors. We were alerted to the fact that the youngster had dual qualification when he was bought to our attention last season and are slightly worried that his link may be slightly tenuous as was the case in the David Vaughan tug of war. Although with Wales having stolen a fair few dual qualified players, it is only fair that it works both ways.

Adam Davies (Oxford - defender) - Struck as the Cambridge U18 team recorded their second Merit League win on Saturday against Bournemouth. The Wales U19 defender swivelled and scored from the edge of the six yard box into the bottom corner to give his side a good start in a game in which they went on to win 2-1.

Craig Davies (Oxford - striker) - Started on the bench last Saturday in the league encounter as manager Ramon Diaz looks to keep his young striker fresh for the end of season run in. Although Davies was given a run out for the second string in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi final win over Carterton on Tuesday night. And it was Davies who got his sides first goal, scoring at the second attempt after his initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) - Made a half time appearance in the reserve team derby victory against Birmingham on Tuesday night. The former Wales U17 captain has been making regular appearances for the second string of late, and with 45 minutes under his belt and manager Bryan Robson watching he can't have done his future chances any harm.

Peter Ferris (Carlisle - striker) - Put in a top performance as the Carlisle reserve team put Wrexham to the sword on Wednesday night. The Wales U19 international got two assists to his name, one after running 70 yards with the ball before pinging over a great cross for his sides third goal. The Wrexham goal was scored by Wales U17 international striker Marc Williams.
"Pete was a danger through all the second half and showed what he can do." - Billy Barr, Carlisle reserve team coach.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Is being eyed up by the Championship vultures as uncertainty surrounds Ninian Park after reports showed that the club were close to 30 million pounds in debt. The Wales U21 striker is being watched by Reading as reports state that they are on the threshold of offering �100,000 for the Gloucester born youngster.

Lewis Guy (Doncaster - striker) - Made his debut for Doncaster on Saturday as a second half substitute in the 2-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The former Wales U16 striker is now keen to show that he has what it takes to score at football league level after his move from St James' Park.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Makes it back on to the Dragon Soccer Young Guns news page with a goal for the U18's as they beat West Ham 4-1 and strolled into the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup . The Wales U17 midfielder has had a quiet season in comparison with his last one, but on Tuesday night he got his sides first goal with a header from an inch perfect cross. The Bristol born midfielder was pushed into a more advanced attacking role for the Hammers game and reveled in his position as he tested the goalkeeper on several occasions. The Saints starting XI also contained Wales U19 defender Kyle Critchell who played the full 90 minutes.

Adam Jones (Burnley - midfielder) - Played 45 minutes as Burnley reserves came up against Oldham in midweek. The Oldham starting XI contained Wales U17 international Sean Eardley (defender) who played the full 90 minutes as the game finished in a goal-less draw. Jones did threaten in the first half with a run and shot that was well saved by the Latics goalkeeper, although the youngster was substituted at half time and YG hope that is was not a new injury or a recurrence of the old knee injury which kept him out for so long a few seasons back.

Griff Jones (Bristol City - defender) + Sam Pearce (Bristol City - goalkeeper) - Both got game time for the reserves on Wednesday as the City second string defeated Weymouth in a friendly. Pearce came on to replace Jonathan Gould for the final 45 minutes and Jones played the full 90 minutes in the City back line.

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Hit the winner for Barnsley in what has become a very frustrating season for the youngster. The Welsh qualified striker came off the bench to hit his sides winner the in the 3-2 win against Peterborough. "I was the happiest person in London Road when that one hit the back of the net on Saturday. I do not think Paul Hart gave me a proper chance so it was a relief to get back on the score sheet and win the game." - Daniel Nardiello.

Michael Walsh (Chester - midfielder) - Scored from a rebound as the Welsh qualified midfielder made his first start for the club last Saturday. The youngster put his side ahead as manager Ian Rush battles for his managerial future at Chester City, although the goal wouldn't be enough as the game finished 2-2.

Matthew Wells (Spurs - midfielder) - Played his second consecutive game for the Spurs U18 team on Saturday as they drew 2-2 with Coventry. Wells like many other Welsh qualified players will surely come under the microscope as Brian Flynn starts preparing squads for the Euro U17 and U19 qualifiers at the tail end of this year.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Struck as Yeovil Town cruised to a comfortable Somerset Cup win over Taunton Town. Williams let fly from 25 yards to put Yeovil 2-0 up after 48 minutes, a strike that puts the club into the semi finals.

Rob Williams (unattached - defender) - Played for the Shrewsbury reserve team this week as he looked to kick start his career after injury put paid to his early season search. The former Watford academy member has been at Leicester and Cheltenham in his quest for a contract and got 90 minutes under his belt as Shrewsbury drew 0-0 with Chester City.

Young guns news - Friday 4th March 2005.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Is recovering well from his achilles injury and is ahead of schedule in rehabilitation. The young Gooner has started strengthening exercises a week ahead of schedule and may well be fit by the end of the week. The striker will now target the U21 game this month as a proper start to his comeback from injury.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Started again for City at the weekend as City drew 1-1 with Blackpool. The Wales U21 standby player has been a regular starter for The Ashton Gate side this month and will be encouraged by manager Brian Tinnion's trust in the youngsters at the club. He will also have an eye on the Wales U21 game v Austria this month after watching Brian Flynn's shot shy attack against Germany.

Arron Davies (Yeovil - striker) - Was once again on target at the weekend but his goal was not enough to give his side any points against Grimsby. The Wales U21 international scored with a speculative effort from outside the box which crept under the goalkeeper. Yeovil fans have witnessed long range strikes from Davies already this season, but he will not spare many thoughts for the Grimsby keeper who had a good assist in his latest strike.  He has also been nominated for a player of the month award.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) - Was another Welsh youngster to get a run out for his sides reserve team this week. The Wales U17 and U19 international got some game time as his side drew 3-3 with Man City in midweek. He will look to nail down a regular starting spot for the reserve side as the season draws to a close and the club look for the future as they start to make final decision on third year scholars.

Peter Ferris (Carlisle - striker) - Bagged his sides second goal as they beat Wrexham in the Merit League last weekend. The Wales U19 international had missed three good opportunities leading up to his strike, but worked hard and got his rewards with a well taken goal against the young Dragons.

Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff - striker) - Showed once again that he has listened to the words of manager Lennie Lawrence who accused the U21 striker of not trying hard enough since his return from injury. The youngster scored a ripper of a goal in the reserve team derby against the Swans in midweek. The game finished in a 2-2 draw as the Bluebirds came from behind to level in the 92nd minute after ex Swansea defender Jamie Rewbury was fouled in the penalty box. Danny Thomas (striker) stepped up to make things level right at the death.

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) - Is currently on loan at Kettering as he gains valuable match experience away from Northampton. The 19 year old defender went straight into the starting line up for last Saturday's game against Vauxhall Motors.

Lewis Guy (Newcastle - striker) - Has signed for Doncaster Rovers after impressing manager David Penney with two goals against York reserves in midweek. The former Wales U16 international and current England U20 squad member has signed until the end of next season as Rovers try and make headway into the play off places by the end of the current campaign. "Lewis is a player with lots of top class experience at home and on the international stage who has trained with the best at Newcastle with Shearer and Kluivert. We had a thought about keeping him longer but he has been so impressive in training and for the reserves that we have decided to get him to put pen to paper today." - Dave Penney, Doncaster Manager

Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) - Scored second half goal as the Preston youth team marched into the semi final of the Lancashire Youth Cup. The Wales U17 midfielder will now look forward to the challenge of Wigan on the 16th of March.

Scott McCoubrey (Cardiff - midfielder) - Scored his sides only goal in the 1-1 draw with Coventry U18's last Saturday. The Wales U17 international impressed during Wales' U17 qualifiers last year and is once again coming to the fore in the Academy league.

Liam Norvall (Leicester - defender) - Played for the reserves again on Wednesday night as a very young Foxes second string drew 1-1 with Watford. The former West Ham schoolboy and Wales U16 international has played a lot of reserve team football this season having moved to the Walkers Stadium from Upton Park and can be pleased with his contribution.

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Scored for the reserves against Bradford on Tuesday as they romped to a 3-0 win.  The ball was flighted in from a corner and not dealt with, allowing Owen to stoop in to score with a header. The Shropshire born defender was not on the bench last weekend after making the squad the week before, and will be disappointed in the way things are working out for him at the Britannia stadium.

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Spoke this week of his hopes for his loan spell at Redditch this week, as he battles back from a groin injury that has hampered his progress at Gay Meadow. "The Gaffer is bringing in young players to build for the future and hopefully now that I'm back in training I can impress him and show what I can do. If I could that then I'm confident I can feature in his future plans."   You can read the full interview on the official web site www.shrewsburytown.co.uk

Matthew Wells (Spurs - midfielder) - Played his first game the Spurs U18 team last weekend and made a great first impression on Academy coach Pat Holland. The young midfielder played the full 90 minutes as a young Spurs team beat Reading 3-2 during the friendly encounter. Welsh fans may just know his Uncle, who is the international legend Cliff Jones!!!