Long starved of any relative success at International Football Welsh fans have not seen actions at major finals since a John Charles inspired Wales shocked many at the 1958 World cup. Play off heart break, missed penalties and contentious “hand ball” decisions later and the wait continues. However, after some more than creditable wins at under 21 level does the current crop of youngsters mean there is finally some signs of hope on the horizon? The Football Merchandise Store has a look at five great hopes of Welsh Football.

1) – Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey is a midfield player who is also comfortable in a second striker role or operating on either flank. Having turned down a career in professional rugby union to join the Cardiff City academy, Aaron progressed quickly through the ranks to become Cardiff’s youngest ever player at 16 years and 124 days, an FA Cup Final appearance later and Aaron was off to Arsenal where he has scored 3 goals in 27 appearances and is closely pressing Cesc Fabregas for a regular starting spot. Precocious skills, deft passing and an eye for goal have meant Aaron has stood out as a player of real international potential in his 11 welsh caps and is hotly tipped to be the nations finest player since Ryan Giggs.

2) – Gareth Bale
Despite being born in the Welsh Capital, Gareth began his football schooling at Southampton where he was a youth team mate of Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott. The Spurs player is at home in the left back or left wing positions and has performed with excellence in both roles in the Premier League netting some notable goals along the way, particularly the latter part of the 2009/10 season as he helped Spurs qualify for the Champions League. Internationally speaking Gareth is Wales’ youngest ever international (16 years 315 days) also it’s youngest ever goal scorer. In 2009 Gareth was rumoured to be subject to a £10million bid from Italian giants Juventus that was turned down. Pace, skill, crossing and a free kick specialist make Gareth a real player to watch for years to come.

3) – Wayne Hennessey
Born on the isle of Angelsey in North Wales, Wayne began life at Manchester City before transferring to Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign professional forms. When sent on loan for first team experience to Stockport County, Wayne made his professional debut and opened his account with six consecutive clean sheets, rightfully earning him the League Two player of the month award. The young stoppers debut for his parent club was very much a case of “into the fire” as he starred in a Championship play off Semi Final. Soon after he established himself as the Wolves number one and progressed quickly to become his country’s top stopper. His performances in 24 caps earning comparisons to Welsh legend Neville Southall is due to his excellent shot stopping and his authoritative communication with his defence.

4) – Jack Collison
Born in Watford, England; Jack qualifies for Wales through his Welsh grandfather who played International Rugby for Wales. Jack was recommended to the Wales coaching set up by his then Welsh West ham colleagues Craig Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon. At that time Jack was a reserve team player who slotted straight into a prosperous Wales under 21 team. Jack’s career has progressed some what since then as he has made a permanent step up to Premiership (45 appearances, 5 goals) and International football (7 appearances). Jack prefers to use his mobility, vision and range of passing from a central position but his dominant left foot mean he is oft utilised on that wing.

5) – Adam Matthews
Very much a wild choice in this list as Adam is yet to play International football for Wales and is in just his first professional season with Cardiff City. Adam transferred from the Swansea City youth set up having previously been a prominent member of the Ospreys Rugby Union academy. The 18 year old right back shot to fame with a goal from his own half early in the 2009/10 and has featured 32 times in the first team. Adam’s abilities on the pitch have led to highly flamed rumours that he is a target of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, he is also very firmly in the sights of Wales manager John Toshack having been included in the squad to face Scotland at just 17 years old.

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