Ryan Giggs names 25-man squad for UEFA Nations League games in September
Wednesday 29 August 2018 14:27, UK
Wales manager Ryan Giggs has named Newcastle defender Paul Dummett in his 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
Dummett has not played for Wales since 2015 and declared himself unavailable for selection last summer under former manager Chris Coleman.
Dummett initially rejected Giggs' invitation to join his first Wales squad at the China Cup in March, but earlier this month the 26-year-old indicated he would be willing to end his self-imposed international exile.
"It is a boost," said Giggs. "When I took over the job I had a brief chat with him but he didn't feel like it was the right time with Newcastle fighting relegation.
"He is in a good place now, he's playing regularly and he was captain at the weekend. It was a great honour for him to captain his boyhood club.
"He is in a good place and obviously he has got a lot of quality as well. I'm really happy with Paul joining us and I'm looking forward to working with him."
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has also been included in the squad, while Ashley Williams will remain as captain.
There is no place for Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor, while striker Hal Robson-Kanu has retired from international football.
Wales host Ireland in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture on September 6 before they travel to face Denmark in Aarhus on September 9, with both games live on Sky Sports.
"It is a new competition, it's exciting," added Giggs. "If you look at all the groups, they are really competitive.
"That is what UEFA wanted, more competitive games, and that is what they're going to get. It is going to take a little bit of time for the fans to get their head around it.
"But once they do, it is an exciting tournament - you can get promoted or relegated. It is another chance to qualify for the Euros as well."
Wales squad to play Ireland and Denmark
Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies, Chris Gunter, Connor Roberts, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham, Tom Lockyer, Ben Davies, Paul Dummett, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King, Joe Ledley, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Tom Lawrence, Declan John, Ben Woodburn, Gareth Bale, Sam Vokes, Tyler Roberts
