PNE will have two representatives in the Wales squad during the international break, with Billy Bodin called up to the senior side for the first time.
Billy Bodin was delighted to receive his first call up to the Wales senior squad this week, one of two PNE representatives in the latest Welsh squad.
Bodin and goalkeeper Chris Maxwell have been called up to Ryan Giggs’ 26 man squad, ahead of their trip to Asia to participate in this month’s China Cup. After learning of his call up, Bodin spoke of his hopes to emulate the achievements of his father Paul, who made 23 appearances for the Dragons during the 1990s.
Speaking to PNE.Com, Bill said: “It’s a massive achievement and I’m really happy to have been called up. I was in the U17, U19 and U21 squads, so it was always an aspiration of mine to be given the nod to join the senior squad.
“It’s a great moment for me and my family, particularly because my dad won several caps for the senior side. To follow in his footsteps is a great for me and hopefully I can make as many appearances for the senior side as he did.”
Having come through the youth ranks at Wales, the 25-year-old thinks that experience will help him on the biggest international stage.
“International football is very different to club level. Even though it was at U21 level, I’ve still played against other countries and against some of the best up and coming players. I think this experience will help me if I’m called upon during the games this month.”
Another name called up to the Welsh side this month is Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, someone who Bodin can’t wait to play alongside.
“On the international stage you’re playing with and against some of the best players in the world. It will be great to be on the same pitch with the likes of Gareth Bale and to play alongside someone like him will be a real help to me and hopefully improve my game, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”