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Liverpool's Ben Woodburn named in Wales squad to face Republic of Ireland

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Ben Woodburn of Liverpool controls the ball during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Plymouth Argyle and
Image: Ben Woodburn is in his first Wales senior squad

Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn has been called into the senior Wales squad for the first time for their clash with the Republic of Ireland on March 24.

Forward Woodburn would become one of the youngest players in Welsh history if manager Chris Coleman gives him a debut against Martin O'Neill's men in Dublin next week.

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Woodburn's Liverpool team-mate Harry Wilson holds that record, having made his debut at the age of 16 years and 207 days in 2013 to break Gareth Bale's previous mark.

The exciting Chester-born player has represented Wales at all youth levels, but his international future had been brought into question amid reports of interest from England manager Gareth Southgate.

But he has now been included in a 23-man party for the vital game at the Aviva Stadium in World Cup European qualifying Group D.

Woodburn became the youngest scorer in Liverpool history - at the age of 17 years and 45 days - when he was on target in the 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Leeds in November.

Coleman said: "He has done good things at Liverpool and everyone has been getting excited since he burst on the scene.

"But we've been looking at him since he was 13 and we know all about him. He's there on merit and we're looking forward to having him on board.

BANGOR, WALES - OCTOBER 31:  Ben Woodburn of Wales U16 in action during the Victory Shield match between Wales U16 and England U16 at the Book People Stadi
Image: Woodburn has been a regular for Wales at all youth levels

"It makes me laugh when people say we've got to get him in. If I thought it was too early for him I wouldn't put him in because this is a big game for us. There's no knee-jerk reaction to cap him.

"He's training with international players every day at Liverpool and technically he's very good, he's performing for one of the biggest clubs in football. He's on the periphery of the squad and he won't be daunted by coming with us.

"But I see him as a Welsh international and he's good enough to be there. If Ben wanted to play for England there's absolutely nothing we could do about that. But we see him as an international player for Wales."

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessy (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Liverpool), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness).

Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), James Chester (Aston Villa), James Collins (West Ham), Joe Walsh (MK Dons), Chris Gunter (Reading), Jazz Richards (Cardiff), Neil Taylor (Aston Villa), Ashley Williams (Everton).

Midfielders: Joe Allen (Stoke), David Edwards (Wolves), Andy King (Leicester), Tom Lawrence (Leicester), Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), Shaun MacDonald (Wigan), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Hal Robson-Kanu (WBA), Tom Bradshaw (Barnsley), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Ben Woodburn (Liverpool).

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