By Gareth James
Wales manager Gemma Grainger has paid tribute to Hannah Cain after the midfielder made it back to the international squad after 15 months out injured.
The Leicester City player has been named by Grainger for the upcoming Pinatar Cup after recovering from a knee injury.
Cain was given a first Wales cap by Grainger, having switched her allegiance from England, where she played under her now Wales boss for England’s under-17s, 19s and 21s.
Grainger has expressed her excitement for Cain’s return, saying, “She has worked so hard to get back to this point and I am so pleased to see her in a Leicester shirt.
“We know how hard that injury is to come back from. So to be able to select her, and not only select her, but have her available to play some minutes we hope, is fantastic.” Grainger has announced a 27-player squad for the upcoming tournament in Spain.
Happy to be back 😍😍😍 https://t.co/GOyKknzho9
— Hannah Cain (@Hannahjadecain) February 8, 2023
Included in the group are Wales’ most capped player, Jess Fishlock, and all-time leading scorer, Helen Ward.
However, midfielder Ffion Morgan will miss the tournament due to injury.
Defender Gemma Evans is set to earn her 50th cap if she plays in all three matches against the Philippines, Iceland, and Scotland.
On Evans’ potential milestone, Grainger stated: “She’s exciting for us, because fingers crossed she is a player who will get to the 50 cap mark and then the 100 cap mark.
“These are the kind of players who really inspire us. To get to that milestone is not an easy thing to do.
“So to have so many of these milestones and for Gemma to be so close to it is brilliant for the team.”
🏴 Gemma Grainger's @Cymru will face the Phillippines, Iceland and Scotland when they travel to Spain next week for the 2023 Pinatar Cup.#BeFootball | #TogetherStronger
— FA WALES (@FAWales) February 8, 2023
In addition to Evans, midfielder Cain returns to international football after being out for over a year.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Bethan Davies has received her first call-up, as have Bristol City players Alice Griffiths and Ella Powell.
While Safia Middleton-Patel, who recently signed with Manchester United, will link up with the Wales Under-19s for a tournament in Portugal.
Wales centurion Natasha Harding is out for the rest of the season due to injury and will not be considered for international selection for personal reasons.
Wales squad: Laura O’Sullivan, Olivia Clark, Safia Middleton-Patel, Bethan Davies, Rhiannon Roberts, Charlie Escourt, Hayley Ladd, Josie Green, Gemma Evans, Lily Woodham, Esther Morgan, Sophie Ingle, Anna Filbey, Angharad James, Jess Fishlock, Ceri Holland, Megan Wynne, Kayleigh Green, Helen Ward, Elise Hughes, Georgia Walters, Carrie Jones, Hannah Cain, Rachel Rowe, Ella Powell, Alice Griffiths, and Maria Francis-Jones.