More valuable experience for Gwion and Joe Walsh
Gwion Edwards was once again an unused substitute for Wales as they beat Cyprus 2-1 in Monday night's European Championship qualifier in Cardiff.
The Reds' midfielder was named on the bench for the second time in three days having also been an unused substitute on Friday when the Welsh drew 0-0 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group B.
It rounded off a great few days for the 21-year-old which began last Tuesday when Reds’ boss John Gregory told him about his first call-up to the Welsh senior ranks in front of the rest of the squad after the midfielder had scored the only goal in our 1-0 victory over Luton in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Gwion said: “The last few week or so has been such a good experience, being around the squad in the hotel, training with them and then getting on the bench for both games.
“I was gutted not to get on but I have picked up so much from the experience and hopefully if I keep producing good performances for Crawley I will be included in future squads."
There was a great picture taken at training last Thursday of Gwion playing keepy-uppy with Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer after his £86m move from Spurs to Real Madrid last year.
So what was it like working with one of the biggest stars in the global game? Gwion, it seems, took it all in his stride.
“All the other lads made me feel very welcome,” added Gwion. “The atmosphere around the squad is terrific and Gareth is just one of the boys really when he’s with Wales. He’s desperate to do well for his country and he's shown that in the last two games."
For Reds' team-mate Joe Walsh there was frustration that once again he was left out of the match-day squad against the Cypriots having not been involved on Friday either.
He said: “I have enjoyed the training and the other lads have been great. I was pleased for Gwion to be involved. I haven't played since the Coventry game and I'm really looking forward to being back with the Crawley boys and preparing for Notts County on Saturday.
"Like Gwion, this was my first taste of the senior squad and hopefully if I keep playing well for Crawley more chances will come."
Wales went 2-0 up against Cyprus through goals from David Cotterill and Hal Robson-Kanu. Vincen Laban pulled one back before the break and Wales played most of the second half with ten men after Andy King was shown a straight red card in the 48th minute. Reading midfielder Jake Taylor, who played four games on loan for Crawley in 2013, came on to make his international debut late in the game.
Chris Coleman's team defended their lead well and go into their next qualifier against Belgium in Brussels on November 14 at the top of their group.
