Thursday 28 September 2017 14:06, UK
Sheffield United youngster David Brooks has been named in the Wales squad for their final 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Brooks has only started three league games for the Blades, but he has earned rave reviews at Bramall Lane and was outstanding in the 4-2 Steel City derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday last Sunday.
The 20-year-old Warrington-born striker starred in England's Toulon Tournament success last summer, when he was named the best player in the south of France.
But Brooks, who qualifies for Wales through his Wrexham-born mother, switched allegiance in August when he was named in Rob Page's U21 squad.
He follows in the footsteps of Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn and Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu both of whom are eligible for England but have elected to throw their lot in with Wales.
Brooks scored in a 3-0 victory for the U21s in Switzerland and his commitment to Wales is another boost for senior manager Chris Coleman.
Discussing Brooks' inclusion in the squad, Coleman joked: "I thought I'd take pressure off Ben (Woodburn).
"He's earned it, he's done very well and he's had a great couple of games with Rob Page in the last camp. I watched him against Cardiff about six weeks ago when he came on as sub for Sheffield United and did well.
"He's been on the radar for some time, he's another young one coming through, but he's earned it. He was excellent in the derby game against Sheffield Wednesday.
"The connection has always been there. He's shown great promise for some years. Luckily for us he's chosen Wales."
Cardiff defender Jazz Richards misses out with an ankle injury which is likely to require surgery and keep him out of action for up to three months.
Veteran centre-back James Collins is also absent after missing West Ham's last two games with an ankle problem, while Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell replaces Barnsley's Adam Davies in the 23-man squad.
Wales are currently in second place in Group D, four points behind leaders Serbia and one point above the Republic.
Wales Squad: Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Ward (Liverpool), Maxwell (Preston), Gunter (Reading), Chester (Aston Villa), A Williams (Everton), B Davies (Tottenham), Taylor (Aston Villa), Lockyer (Bristol Rovers), Ampadu (Chelsea), Allen (Stoke), Ledley (Derby), Edwards (Reading), King (Leicester), Ramsey (Arsenal), J Williams (Sunderland), Watkins (Norwich), Robson-Kanu (West Brom), Vokes (Burnley), Bale (Real Madrid), Lawrence (Derby), Woodburn(Liverpool), Brooks (Sheffield United).
