Romanian Challenge For Robert Page’s Welsh Squad

Wales are fighting for their Uefa under-21 Championship lives.

They badly need a big performance against group leaders Romania at Bangor City on Tuesday if they are to maintain hopes of making progress.

The young Dragons suffered a four-goal defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina only a few days ago and they are five points behind Romania in fourth place.

“The only positive we can take from the Bosnia game is that we have another game coming up quickly,” said manager Robert Page. “We have watched that game back and we will learn from it.

“We weren’t brave enough on the ball and we’ve created our own problems by giving the ball away too much. That isn’t like us.”

“We’re bitterly disappointed, and looking at the performance there are areas we need to address and put right.”

Wales had started their group challenge by earning six points from three successive away matches and they were fired up for Bosnia’s visit.

A capacity crowd welcomed Wales to Bangor for the clash and Page said: “We waited a long time for this home game in front of our own supporters and I thank them for coming out in their numbers.”

Romania are currently undefeated at the top of group eight, but had to come from behind against Portugal in their last match to claim a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.

“We have another tough test against the team who are top of the group and had another good result against Portugal,” said Page. “We will be working hard to put things right.”

Captain Joe Rodon is out of the squad with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Swansea City clubmate Cian Harries.

Joe Morrell missed the defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina through illness, but is expected to return to the squad for the match against Romania.

The match is being televised live on S4C.

Wales, possible: Luke Pilling (Tranmere Rovers), Cameron Coxe (Cardiff City), Cole DaSilva (Chelsea), Regan Poole (Manchester United, on loan at Northampton), Cian Harries (Swansea City), Chris Mepham (Brentford), George Thomas (Leicester City), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Tyler Roberts (West Brom), Harry Wilson (Liverpool), Mark Harris (Cardiff City).

Rest of the squad: Owen Evans (gk, Wigan Athletic), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Nathan Broadhead (Everton), Jack Evans (Swansea City), Joe Morrell (Bristol City, on loan at Cheltenham), Tyler Roberts (West Bromwich Albion, on loan at Walsall), Rabbi Matondo (Manchester City), Alex Babos (Derby County).

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