Craig Bellamy’s side host Canada in a friendly at the Swansea.com Stadium after scraping through a tough test away to Kazakhstan last time out. With the stakes considerably lower, a chance to test out some of the more inexperienced members of the squad has presented itself.

Wales were without key players Danny Ward, Ethan Ampadu and Conor Roberts going into this camp, all due to injury. But disappointment for one creates an opportunity for another.

None have gripped that opportunity with both hands like young centre-back Dylan Lawlor, who Bellamy handed a debut to in Astana. The Wales boss heaped praise on the teenager, who was awarded the man of the match trophy as a reward.

“We knew it would be hard with the squad withdrawals. Dylan is a big plus from this week. We have gained a player,” said Bellamy.
“I was so impressed with Dylan Lawlor. He was so good.”

The Caerphilly-born defender has been part of a Cardiff City backline which has conceded just one goal in the league this season – from the penalty spot.

Also part of the seemingly impenetrable back four is Ronan Kpakio, who, in the absence of Roberts, could be in line for his first run-out in a Wales shirt.

Rounding off the Bluebirds’ young inclusions in this Wales squad is Joel Colwill, who has impressed in the Welsh capital, albeit often outshone by his older brother Rubin, who missed out on a call-up due to injury.

Colwill, one would imagine, will have the hardest job on his hands among his Cardiff colleagues to get some minutes, with fellow midfield prospects Charlie Crew and Kai Andrews also waiting in the wings.

The match against Canada on Tuesday, 9 September, marks a return to Swansea for the team, having last played there in November 2020 in a goalless draw against the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of the match, Wales legend Joe Allen’s career will be honoured in a special pre-match presentation attended by Alan Curtis.

The last match with a crowd at the Swansea.com Stadium was in March 2013 against Croatia, a game featuring current head coach Craig Bellamy.

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