Sheffield United starlet David Brooks has ended speculation over his international future after being named in Chris Coleman’s senior Wales squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Brooks was a key member of England Under-20’s Toulon Tournament winning side in the summer having initially been selected for Wales and was given the Best Player award having scored in the final against Ivory Coast.
The 20-year-old, who has attracted plenty of admirers during his 10 first-team appearances for the Blades this season, then switched allegiances for Wales’ Under-21 fixtures last month and will commit his future to the nation if he earns an appearance against either Georgia or the Republic of Ireland.
There is also a first senior call-up for Preston North End’s Chris Maxwell, who completed his apprenticeship back in 2009 at Wrexham, while 22-year-old Bristol Rovers academy graduate Tom Lockyer has made the cut for the third time, although he is still awaiting his first cap.
Elsewhere, eight current apprentices are in the mix to feature for the Under-19s for two forthcoming friendlies against Switzerland, including five first-year scholars.
Birmingham City midfielder Ryan Stirk and Cardiff City quartet George Ratcliffe, Adam Sharif, Ryan Reynolds and Sion Spence have all been selected having only just started their apprenticeship in July.
Second-year players Jack Bodenham (Cardiff), Billy Sass-Davies (Crewe Alexandra) and James Spruce (Bristol Rovers) are the other current apprentices to be picked, while first-year professionals Dan Mooney (Fleetwood Town), Momodou Touray (Newport County) and James Waite (Cardiff City) also feature in the squad.
Meanwhile, 10 former apprentices will be involved in the Under-21 team’s European Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein, including a late call-up for Bristol City academy graduate Joe Morrell, who is now in contention for a first cap at that level.
Here is a list of all the apprentices past and present who will appear for the various age groups during the international fixtures:
Seniors
Chris Maxwell – Preston North End (formerly of Wrexham)
Tom Lockyer – Bristol Rovers
David Brooks – Sheffield United
Under-21s
Luke Pilling – Tranmere Rovers
Owen Evans – Wigan Athletic
Cian Harries – Swansea City (formerly of Coventry City)
Cameron Coxe – Cardiff City
Regan Poole – Manchester United (formerly of Newport County)
Aron Davies – Fulham
Rhys Abbruzzese – Cardiff City
Mark Harris – Cardiff City
George Thomas – Leicester City (formerly of Coventry City)
Joe Morrell – Bristol City
Under-19s
George Ratcliffe – Cardiff City
Adam Sharif – Cardiff City
Billy Sass-Davies – Crewe Alexandra
Jack Bodenham – Cardiff City
Ryan Reynolds – Cardiff City
Ryan Stirk – Birmingham City
Sion Spence – Cardiff City
James Waite – Cardiff City
James Spruce – Bristol Rovers
Daniel Mooney – Fleetwood Town
Momodou Touray – Newport County
