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    New Wales boss Craig Bellamy names Aaron Ramsey as captain before hailing Liverpool teen star Lewis Koumas

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    AARON RAMSEY will remain Wales captain but has been told to inspire Liverpool whizkid Lewis Koumas.New Dragons boss Craig Bellamy named his first squad on Wednesday with Ramsey leading a 24-man party into next month’s Nations League ties with Turkey and Montenegro.Craig Bellamy named his first Wales squad on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday morningCredit: GettyLewis Koumas, 18, is in the squad and has scored two goals in his last two games for Stoke on loan from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyBellamy is adamant Cardiff midfield star Ramsey, 33, who has not played for Wales in almost a year, can make a positive impact on the likes of Stoke loanee Koumas, 18.Rambo has suffered a series of injuries since his last international against Latvia in September 2023.The 84-cap ace missed the summer friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia.But he has completed 90 minutes in each of Cardiff’s three opening Championship matches this season.read more in footballBellamy said: “He will be captain. I didn’t see any reason to change that for the time being. “I understand the role of the captaincy as I was captain for Wales through all the age groups and into the senior team.”I’m aware of what he’s doing, his training programmes. You can’t doubt his quality.  “We’re talking about one of the best players to ever play for Wales. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A player that’s represented Arsenal, he’s won cups, played in a World Cup, gone to Juventus and his experience with Nice. “Young players are aspiring to be him and he can help them with that.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″If you watch his attitude and the details of what he does, that’s what has allowed him to play at a top level for so long. “That’s great to have around. He’s still got football in him.”Ramsey recovered from a horrific leg break after a shocking challenge by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in 2010 to play at three major tournaments for Wales and the next target is the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy, who kicks off his reign against the Turks in Cardiff a week on Friday, added: “He was able to come back from that and for what he has achieved in his career tells me he is mentally strong.”He still has a lot to offer and the way we want to play will help him a lot and be perfect for him. I still see a  good footballer.”Koumas, the son of ex-Wales midfielder Jason, is on loan at Stoke from Arne Slot’s Reds. The teen striker made his international bow in the friendly double-header in June, ex-boss Robert Page’s final matches in charge.The two-cap ace scored against West Brom in the league last Saturday as well as Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win at Middlesbrough.Bellamy added: “I’ve got young Lewis who wants to become one of the top players. He’s just unbelievable to watch. “He’s fearless and I love that type of profile and player.”His father was incredible but I hope his attitude is better and he takes himself more seriously. “Every time he gets the ball then something positive happens. They are the players you love to coach.”I’m sure he would have looked up to Aaron for a number of years.”Now he gets to see what elite really looks like and I’d like to believe that will develop him quicker. He gets to see his actions, hear him talk and get certain information. “I was lucky I had Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, senior players who I had admired from afar, I caught the end of Ian Rush, who was my hero. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was able to pick up little bits and see what a serious player was. It benefitted me.”Wales squadDanny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl DarlowBen Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor RobertsJordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Cooper, Sorba ThomasKieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Rabbi Matondo More

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      Wales’ Nations League clash moved at 13 days’ notice with stadium unfit for purpose and huge patches of grass missing

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      WALES’ clash with Montenegro has been moved due to the stadium being unfit for purpose.The Nations League fixture was scheduled to take place at the Gradski Stadium three days after Wales face Turkey in Cardiff.Wales’ match against Montenegro has seen the venue changeCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy’s side will now play in a 5,000-capacity groundCredit: GettyHowever, Craig Bellamy’s side will now play at the 5,000-capacity City Stadium, which is home to FK Sutjeska and regularly hosts Montenegro’s U21 matches.The original venue in Podgorica has been deemed unplayable due to concerns over the playing surface.A Football Association of Wales statement read: “Following concerns over the quality of the playing surface at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica, Uefa has confirmed that the Nations League match between Montenegro and Cymru on 9 September will be moved to Nikšić.“The FAW acknowledges the inconvenience that this announcement will have on Cymru’s travelling fans, who have already planned for Podgorica.READ MORE IN SPORT“Therefore, the FAW is currently in discussions with UEFA and the Football Association of Montenegro to limit the disruption caused by this late announcement to the Cymru national team and The Red Wall.“The FAW will provide an update when further information is confirmed.”The pitch was visited by Uefa officials on the weekend in order to be examined.They found that it was dry and cratered in spots with large patches of grass missing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe switch will affect the 700 travelling Wales fans who had booked accommodation in Podgorica, who will now have to make appropriate arrangements.Bellamy was appointed as the Wales boss in July after leaving Burnley.Players rushed off the pitch as fire breaks out in stadium as cup game suspended with pitch engulfed in cloud of smokeThe Nations League fixtures will be his first as the national team coach.The former Premier League striker has been set the target of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We want to qualify for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and we felt that Craig was the right choice there.“It’s a really exciting appointment. We do see the Nations League as a chance for Craig to input his ideas, mindful of the fact that we would like to get some results in this Nations League as well, of course.“However, ultimately, here it’s about tournament qualification. That’s what it’s about.“We want to be in America, Canada, Mexico in 2026 and when we host the Euros here in 2028, we want to have a brilliant side that goes out there and represents Wales really well.“It’s fine to get to a tournament but, once you get to the tournament, it’s how you present yourself at these tournaments and how you deliver at these tournaments.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Wales boss Craig Bellamy makes big changes to his backroom team and raids Brighton for his No2

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      CRAIG BELLAMY will tap into Brighton’s blueprint of pressing when he manages Wales.The new Dragons manager kicks off his tenure as national boss against Turkey in the Nations League on September 6.Bellamy won 78 Wales caps and scored 19 goals including a classic against Italy but now replaces Robert Page as his national managerThe 45-year-old was assistant manager to Vincent Kompany at Burnley before the Belgian quit for Bayern Munich in the summerCredit: GettyBellamy appointed his backroom staff on Friday with Seagulls first-team coach Andrew Crofts named as one of his assistants.Ex-Wales midfielder Crofts has impressed with Premier League leaders Brighton under ex-bosses Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and now Fabian Hurzeler.Progressive Brighton thumped Everton 3-0 on the opening day of the new Prem season.And Hurzeler’s men face Manchester United at the Amex on Saturday lunchtime.read more footballBellamy said: “I’ve spoken a lot with Crofty. He works at Brighton and that’s very important to him. “I know his ideas and I’m really looking forward to being able to pick his brains again.”Everyone talks about playing and pressing. “But they don’t understand the triggers and the detail. They don’t coach the details or they miss it.Most read in Football”I’m not allowing myself to miss it. It’s too important. It always is with me. “To have a background in Brighton that Crofty has been exposed to is going to be incredible to have with me.”Crofts won 29 Wales caps as a player and will combine his roles with club and country. The 40-year-old retired in 2019 and has been with Brighton as a coach since then.He said: “I’m very proud. As soon as I knew there was an opportunity to be Craig’s assistant it grabbed me straight away. “To represent Wales as a player was incredible for me and my family, and to now represent my country as an assistant coach is an indescribable feeling. “I’m obsessed with coaching, studying various trends in the game and bringing a team’s methodology to life, something which I can’t wait to do with this group of players and staff.”Crofts will be joined by James Rowberry, Piet Cremers, who has worked with Bellamy at Manchester City and Burnley before, and Ryland Morgans. All four coaches have been educated through the Football Association of Wales coaching pathway led by David Adams.Bellamy names his first squad next Wednesday for the Cardiff clash with the Turks before a trip to Montenegro on September 9.Bellamy, 45, added: “I’m very happy with the group of staff that we’ve been able to bring in. “I’ve worked with all of them previously, either as a coach or as a player. “As a collective I believe the balance and various expertise between us is the best we could have asked for.”Bellamy, appointed Wales boss in July, is also set to bring in goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson following his departure from England after Gareth Southgate resigned. Margetson, like Morgans, was part of Chris Coleman’s Euro 2016 backroom staff which saw Wales reach the semi-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-manager Robert Page’s backroom staff of Alan Knill, Jack Lester, Tony Roberts and Nick Davies have all departed. Chris Gunter, who won 109 caps for Wales and was a coach under Page, will move to a new role within the FAW setup. More

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      Wales national anthem lyrics: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – Land of Our Fathers in English and Welsh

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      THERE are very few national anthems in the world that are belted out with the pride and ferocity of Wales’ Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.The song, which translates into English as ‘Land of my Fathers’, is one of the most recognisable in global sport – with Welsh fans belting out the famous lyrics for the Wales vs Ireland Six Nations match.
      Wales bellow their national anthem with pride
      Wales’ rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones and his team-mates sing the Welsh national anthemCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      During rugby matches at the Principality Stadium and the Wales national football team’s games at Cardiff City Stadium, the anthem has become synonymous with the never-say-die Welsh attitude to big sporting occasions.
      What are the lyrics to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Welsh?
      Usually only the first verse and the chorus is sung at sporting events, but we’ve included the whole lot for you lot keen enough to see the whole thing.
      Verse 1 
      Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
      Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
      Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
      Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
      Chorus
      Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
      Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
      O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
      Fans raise the roof during a rousing renditionCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Verse 2
      Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
      Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i’m golwg sydd hardd;
      Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
      Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
      Verse 3
      Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
      Mae hen iaith y Cymru mor fyw ag erioed,
      Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
      Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
      What are the lyrics in English?
      Obviously with the anthem being sung in Welsh, this is only the translation and won’t be belted out during the Six Nations like this.
      But it’s good know what the lyrics mean – and they’re suitably patriotic.
      Verse 1
      This land of my fathers is dear to me,
      Land of poets and singers, and people of stature,
      Her brave warriors, fine patriots,
      Shed their blood for freedom.
      Chorus
      Land! Land! I am true to my land!
      As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land.
      May the language endure for ever. More

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      Wales call up uncapped teenager Christ Tshiunza, 19, for autumn Tests while he was still playing for university team

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      WALES are ready to unleash the latest phenomenon from their ‘school of champions’.Powerhouse lock Christ Tshiunza is another graduate of Whitchurch High School in Cardiff — the breeding ground for rugby legend Sam Warburton, Tour de France and Olympics winner Geraint Thomas, and Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale.
      Tshiunza has been called up to represent Wales in the autumn internationals despite still being in UniCredit: Rex
      Tshiunza, 19, has been fast-tracked into Wayne Pivac’s 38-man rugby squad for the Autumn internationals.
      The teenager got the news as he was preparing to play for Exeter University against Cardiff University.
      Now his next match could be for the Six Nations holders against world champions South Africa.
      Tshiunza’s only previous experience of top-level rugby has been via four brief appearances off the bench for Exeter Chiefs.
      The Premiership side were so convinced of his star potential that they signed him to a £40,000-a-year contract while he was still a schoolboy.
      Tshiunza arrived in Wales aged seven, after his parents left war-torn Congo.

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      He initially made his mark as a sprinter and a high-jumper — but as he grew bigger was persuaded to take up rugby.
      As he plays for an English club, the 6ft 7in, 17½st ace is not eligible for Wales’ first autumn series clash against New Zealand on October 30 because it falls outside of the usual international window.
      But he will be available for matches with South Africa, Fiji and Australia next month.
      Dragons head coach Pivac said: “By selecting him we’re looking at the here and now but also at World Cup 2023.
      “He brings something nobody else in the country probably has in terms of height and athleticism. He has all the physical attributes to play at this level.”
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      Wales national anthem lyrics: Land of Our Fathers, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau words for Euro 2020 and Six Nations

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      THERE are few national anthems in the world that are sung with the pride and ferocity of Wales’ Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.The song, which translates into English as ‘Land of my Fathers’, is one of the most recognisable in global sport – not least international rugby and football matches.
      Gareth Bale sings the Welsh National AnthemCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Welsh national anthem will be belted out with more pride than ever during their Rugby World Cup campaignCredit: Reuters
      What are the lyrics to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Welsh?
      USUALLY only the first verse and the chorus is sung at sporting events, but we’ve included the whole lot for you lot keen enough to see the whole thing.
      Verse 1 
      Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
      Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
      Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
      Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
      Chorus
      Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad.
      Tra môr yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
      O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
      Fans raise the roof during a rousing renditionCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Verse 2
      Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
      Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i’m golwg sydd hardd;
      Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
      Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
      Verse 3
      Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
      Mae hen iaith y Cymru mor fyw ag erioed,
      Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
      Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
      What are the lyrics in English?
      OBVIOUSLY with the anthem being sung in Welsh, this is only the translation and won’t be belted out during the Six Nations like this.
      But it’s good know what the lyrics mean – and they’re suitably patriotic.
      Verse 1
      This land of my fathers is dear to me,
      Land of poets and singers, and people of stature,
      Her brave warriors, fine patriots,
      Shed their blood for freedom.
      Chorus
      Land! Land! I am true to my land!
      As long as the sea serves as a wall for this pure, dear land.
      May the language endure for ever. More

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      Gareth Bale loses battle to watch Masters as Welsh team-mates pull rank and put rugby on TV

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      GARETH BALE lost the battle for the TV remote — forcing Wales’ talisman to watch The Masters on his iPad!
      Golf nut Bale appeared to view the first round at Augusta on a  laptop during the Dragons’ goalless draw with USA  in an international friendly on Thursday night.

      Pals Gareth Bale and Ben Davies enjoy each other’s company on international and club duty Credit: Alamy Live News

      Bale, 31, wanted to watch the golf again on the big screen in Wales’ team hotel in Cardiff on Friday evening.
      But his team-mates ignored his pleas and picked the nation’s rugby union defeat to Ireland instead.
      Bale’s Wales and Spurs pal Ben Davies, preparing to face the Irish at the Cardiff City Stadium today, said: “Gareth had his iPad out watching the golf and the rugby was on the TV. The boys pulled rank there.”
      Bale’s love of golf has been well-documented — and he is not the only Tottenham player who has a passion for the sport.

      England skipper Harry Kane tweeted on Friday: “Running off to watch the Masters”.Davies added: “Those two are some of the biggest golf fans I’ve seen. Those two love it.”So who is the best golfer? Davies joked: “Me.” He added: “I’ve played with both of them but I can’t say I’m the best judge as to who is better because I’m not the best.”
      Wales aim to cheer up a sporting-mad nation after their rugby counterparts lost 32-9 to Ireland in the Autumn Nations Cup in Dublin.

      Bale was spotted appeared to be enjoying The Masters while sat in the stands during Wales’ 0-0 draw with the USACredit: PA:Press Association
      Davies said: “It was a tough game and it will be the same for us. We have to keep the momentum up and keep going in this Nations League.“It’s about winning habits and sometimes it doesn’t matter how it comes. If you keep winning games that’s the most important thing.“I don’t think we’ve been at our best in this Nations League, but we’ve got three wins and we’re top of the group. We want to continue that run.”
      Caretaker boss Rob Page has captain Bale fit to start after his midweek rest.Asked if Wales can inflict revenge on Ireland, Page said: “Let’s hope so. We had a meeting and then we all had our evening meal together and it was on in the background, so we saw bits of it.“Of course a disappointing result but we’re looking forward to our game on Sunday.“We’re ready for the challenge.”

      Meanwhile, defender Tom Lockyer wants to prove he is a key man for Wales — and nail down his Euro 2020 spot to emulate idols Ashley Williams and James Chester.

      Bale was rested for the friendly last week but is expected to feature against Ireland Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Luton centre-back, 25, has been a first-choice pick for the Dragons when fit over the last 12 months.
      And Lockyer, back from an ankle injury, would love to follow in the footsteps of Williams and Chester, who were rock solid in defence when the Dragons reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
      He said: “They were my idols when I was watching the Euros. I was watching in a fan park with my mates with a couple of beers.
      “To actually get involved with all that is something I never thought was possible.
      “It didn’t even cross my mind. I was just a fan and enjoying it.”

      Lockyer was injured for last month’s Nations League games against Ireland and Bulgaria.
      But, after completing 90 minutes against USA, he could line-up versus Ireland, then Finland on Wednesday.
      He added: “There is competition for places all over. No player wants to be sitting on the bench watching it.”

      Tottenham boss Mourinho admits he feels ‘uncomfortable’ about Bale playing for Wales because assistant manager works for Arsenal More