JOE RODON will be sporting a black eye in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid tomorrow – but the defender hopes to deliver a KO to club team-mate Glen Kamara.
The Leeds centre-back, 26, picked up his shiner after clashing heads with Junior Firpo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.
After the Whites went top of the Championship, Rodon wasted little time in starting the mind games with Finland’s Kamara by giving him the silent treatment.
Rodon, who plays with Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts and Dan James at Elland Road, said: “I didn’t speak to Glen after Sunday’s game on purpose.
“I told him beforehand, “I don’t want to speak to you after the game’. It’s just the way I am. I’m sure we will catch up after the game on Thursday.
“There’s been a bit of banter because we all play for the same club team.”
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Rodon claims Leeds boss Daniel Farke will support Kamara because the midfielder is outnumbered by four to one in the semi-final showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The on-loan Spurs star added: “The boss has been teaming up with Glen. It’s been quite funny.
“There’s four Welshmen versus one from Finland so the numbers are unfair for him. I hope we have the bragging rights when we go back.”
Rodon played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but feels in the form of his life with Wales needing two wins to qualify for the Germany finals this summer.
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Victory over Finland would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff next Tuesday.
And Wales boss Robert Page reckons the former Swansea ace, who will win his 43rd cap, is now a real defender after getting the bruises to prove it.
Rodon laughed and said: “The manager said to me on Monday morning that I look like a proper centre-half now! I’ll take that.
“It was a physical game but I got it from Junior. It was from a corner, I headed the ball and the back of him too. It’s not an ideal situation.
“I’m just delighted I didn’t reopen it on Sunday. All I can do is put vaseline on it. Hopefully it heals up quickly for Thursday.
“I’ve had a few this season, unfortunately. It’s worse than it looks.
“The one I got at Millwall away was a nasty one. It’s part of the game and it’s what I love doing. At least we came away from the game with a clean sheet.”
Wales, with Ampadu and James set to both win their 50th caps, are bidding to qualify for the first time without key men Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, who retired following Qatar.
Rodon added: “We’ve lost superstars with Gaz and Joe. It was always going to be difficult for us in transition for the group. I can’t speak highly enough of Gaz and Joe.
“They are icons of Welsh football and the game and it’s going to have an impact on any team. If you know Gaz as well, any room he walks into everyone knows he’s there.
“The players coming up to 50 caps have been around quite a bit now and have that experience in tournaments. It’s not new to us. It’s looking good.”
Rodon played alongside Bale for club and country and joked he is happy Wales’ record caps holder and goalscorer with 111 and 41, no longer bullies him.
Two years ago, the pair had a bizarre argument over whether aliens exist during a Tottenham Youtube video.
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He quipped: “It’s quite nice he doesn’t bully me anymore! He does get on to me when I don’t speak to him. I’m sure Gaz is always watching. You all know how much he loves Wales.
“I’m sure he will be watching the game. Gaz has done so much for me. I do miss him a lot. I’ll be in touch with him otherwise I’ll be in trouble!”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
