Luca Hoole and James Connolly have been called up to the Wales Under-21 squad for the first time as reward for their fine form for Bristol Rovers.
The defenders, aged 19 and 20 respectively, played starring roles as Joey Barton's Gas claimed promotion to League One and it is no surprise their performances have been recognised.
The pair have been on Wales U21 boss Paul Bodin's radar for some time, with the former Swindon Town defender a regular visitor to the Mem, and they were in line for selection for international duty in March but all parties decided it was best they remained at Rovers as they chased the top three.
Hoole and Connolly have been called up for the UEFA Under-21 Euro 2023 qualifiers against Netherlands and Gibraltar at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on June 11 and June 14.
Right-back Hoole has been a success story for Rovers' academy, enjoying a breakthrough season with the Gas. He impressed Barton in pre-season and went on to make 32 appearances for Rovers this season, scoring once.
Centre-back Connolly has returned to parent club Cardiff City after a stellar loan stint in BS7. He joined in the January transfer window and had a transformative impact on Rovers' defence. The Gas were beaten in only three of his 24 League Two appearances, keeping 12 clean sheets.
Rovers want Connolly to return to the Mem next season, but Bluebirds boss Steve Morison is eager to assess Connolly in pre-season. The parties are in contract talks, with Cardiff – who are yet to publish their retained list – also holding the option of a one-year extension, meaning the Gas have to play a waiting game to see if the defender is available to return.
Both of the fixtures will be broadcast live on the Sgorio Facebook and YouTube channels.
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