It’s our big match morning as Wales take on Iceland in Reykjavik this evening at the Laugardalsvöllur national stadium (below) (KO 7:45pm) We also look at the players, how they are bonding since arriving in Iceland yesterday, and have some exclusive news as well.
The Red Wall once again are already in the city of Reykjavik in what is looking like vast numbers. Not dissimilar to the away game in Montenegro, many are buying up tickets in all parts of the stadium. With an allocation of just over a thousand which is ten percent of the stadiums capacity. The fans are in many of the bars and once again representing their country proudly. Some returns are available this morning, check online (FAW.Cymru) currently available for Stage 6 memberships.
Swans fan, Joe Rodon, who has been an ever present in all Wales squads when available has summed up his feelings pre match on Ethan Ampadu, and he is disappointed. "Ethan is a key player, not just for country but for club as well. It's weird because over the last year and a half I've been with Ethan every step of the way. It's a lot quieter not having him here, but I'm sure the strong person he is that he will recover quite quickly”
On Joe Allen’s return Joe couldn’t be more pleased. "But everyone knows how key Joe has been for Wales over the last however many years. So to have a character and experienced player like that come back into the group is only going to lift the level and benefit us all. I think every player that plays for Wales dreams and loves putting on the Welsh shirt. Of course, the unfortunate thing with Ethan getting injured, having Joe back has kind of brought back that depth and that strength in the squad."
The Indy had some time with David Johnson, son of Brennan last night in the Icelandic capital. The city named ‘The land of fire & ice’ matches the way Wales followers are feeling about their national team this campaign. David had a four hundred and fifty game career and was a prolific goalscorer at times. Some will recall that David Johnson agreed to play for Scotland under Craig Brown. TV moron, Richard Key racially abused David by calling him the ‘Choco Jocko’ It has to be said not to his face. Key of course is also a proven sexist and was sacked by Sky Sports.
On his son’s recent progress with Wales, David is delighted. "My son has hit a rich vein of form recently, and I can tell you this, when Craig Bellamy was announced as leading the squad Brennan was absolutely delighted. Ben Cabango is Brennan’s best mate, they love each others company” David Johnson and his partner, along with Harry Wilson’s parents travel to all of Wales games, and love what is happening to the national team. "Brennan and all the lads are buzzing with Craig and how he leads the squad. His information and maturity, he is a born leader” Joe Rodon backs this up. "The level and detail of everything is top class, and to learn here with him is a pleasure. You could see after the games that all the boys enjoyed it. Of course we want to build momentum and keep learning as a group. Team spirit and togetherness is always high and we're just really excited for the future games." David qualifies for Wales through his mother, Alison now separated from David, she was raised in the Rhayader area of Wales.
It’s also positive for Wales tonight who have won five of their seven previous meetings with Iceland.
Aaron Ramsey has also been with the Wales squad this week, so Craig has plenty of experience to call upon from both of Wales most successful players in recent times. Gareth Bale aside. Joe Allen and Ramsey have taken on their roles as passionate Welshman, with one hundred and sixty caps between them. Bale it seems is enjoying his retirement.
Any form of result obviously bar a loss will be welcomed this evening, and we will have team news later on in the day. We are the only Swansea City website who covers their national team passionately and that’s why we are Swansea Independent.
The officials are now confirmed for another episode of Wales in Europe tonight.