20-year-old Joe Duncan named in Wales squad

Joe Duncan has been selected for the Wales senior squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 20-year-old goalkeeper will replace Tom King, who sits as the backup for Everton. Duncan is the only new addition to the 26-man roster announced for the trip to Norway on November 14 and the match against Portugal in Cardiff on November 17.

Duncan plays for Bristol City but is currently out on a season-long loan at National League club Southend. He qualifies for the national team through his maternal grandfather, a native of Cardiff. Although born in Bristol, Duncan has represented the Wales Under-21 side. His international background also includes time with the Jamaica Under-23 team and a summer training camp with the senior Reggae Boyz in London.

The squad selection brings back several key players from injury. Leeds United defender Joe Rodon is named despite a two-month absence. Rodon suffered a hamstring injury against Brentford on August 30. He missed the previous international window, during which Wales lost three matches and defeated Norway in League A.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke stated last week that Rodon has returned to training in a controlled manner. It remains uncertain if he will play against Tottenham on Saturday. Rodon’s availability is a key factor for Wales manager Craig Bellamy, who oversees the squad for the November break.

Leeds forward Harry Wilson and Manchester United goalkeeper Karl Darlow also return to the pool after missing the start of the campaign with injuries. Oxford midfielder Kai Andrews has been promoted from the Under-21 setup. Cardiff forward Rubin Colwill returns following an injury layoff, while Wes Burns is left out of the group.

Notable absences include Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor and Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead, who were also left out previously. Wolves midfielder Jordan James missed the cut after sustaining an injury on Saturday.

The full Wales squad includes goalkeepers Karl Darlow, Danny Ward, Joe Duncan, and J. Dasilva. Defenders comprise Ben Cabango, Nathan Williams, Chris Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, James Sheehan, Liam Cullen, and D. James. Midfielders are Kai Andrews, L. Cullen, H. Wilson, C. Ashford, B. Johnson, S. Thomas, L. Koumas, K. Moore, M. Harris, and D. Brooks. Forwards include R. Colwill, J. Colwill, and D. Brooks.