Wales Under-21s boss Paul Bodin says James Connolly's first call-up is deserved reward for his excellent Bristol Rovers form.
The 20-year-old defender joined the Gas on loan from Cardiff City in January, tightening up Rovers' defence en route to promotion to League Two. Joey Barton's side were beaten in just three of Connolly's 24 starts, in which he proved to be a perfect foil for fellow centre-half Connor Taylor.
Connolly – alongside Gas right-back Luca Hoole – has been called up to Bodin's squad for the Euro 2023 qualifiers against Netherlands and Gibraltar as a result. The Wales U21 manager says he has been impressed by what he has seen, but admitted it could be the defender's final opportunity to cement a place in his team.
