Exclusion of defender seems baffling given some of the other players who've made the squad
Once upon a time, young (and youngish) Welsh players on the fringes of the first team at Premier League clubs were automatic choices for the national squad. I'm not saying that's something I endorse, but it's something which has continued for a long time, and you don't have to look too far back to find examples of this happening. Harry Wilson of Liverpool was capped age 16 in late 2013, and you can't help but feel that if he'd have been plying his trade at another club - indeed any club not considered a "giant" of British football - he wouldn't have even have got a mention.
That's not to knock Wilson, he looks a great prospect and I hope he does wonders for Wales down the years. The reason I mention this is that Jazz Richards - who has four appearances for us already this season - hasn't made the squad, and a quick glance at the Wales squad has left me baffled as to how. Here are the defenders listed in the current Wales squad:
James Chester (Hull City), Declan John (Cardiff City), Joe Walsh (Crawley Town), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Danny Gabbidon (Cardiff City), Chris Gunter (Reading), Samuel Ricketts (Wolves), Neil Taylor (Swansea City), Rhoys Wiggins (Charlton), Ashley Williams (Swansea City).
The first thing that strikes you is that there's a good few players there with Swansea connections, even though only Taylor & Williams are currently on our books. Sam Ricketts was excellent for us in the past, Joe Walsh was a Swans youngster before leaving for Crawley, while Ben Davies is the obvious one, having only recently departed for Spurs. While I'm absolutely made up for young Joe Walsh - who's now amassed almost one hundred appearances for Crawley - as well as young teammate (and fellow ex-Swan) Gwion Edwards, I can't help but feel it's very strange that Jazz hasn't made the squad.
Firstly, he's already got four Welsh caps, and has performed well for his country in the past. Secondly, he's playing for a Premier League club. Ok, Joe Walsh is playing more regularly, but lack of regular game-time hasn't stopped Welsh managers from picking players in the past - indeed Simon Church has featured for the Welsh side of late despite not being able to get into the Charlton team. So why no Jazz?
To me, his exclusion is strange at the very least. One thing is for sure though, if he can keep forcing his way into the first-team picture at the Liberty, it won't be long before he's back in the international fold.