Wales boss Craig Bellamy has dismissed suggestions that Leeds United stars Karl Darlow and Ethan Ampadu have a point to prove when the two sides meet at Wembley.
Leeds have a strong contingent in the Wales squad, which could have been even bigger had Dan James not been forced to pull out through injury.
Both Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow have been forced to take the long way round to become regulars in the Premier League, with Ampadu joining Chelsea at a young age before being farmed out on a string of loans, and Darlow playing a supporting role at Newcastle before joining Leeds.
Despite being just 25 years old, Ampadu already has 56 Wales caps to his name, having made his senior debut at 17.
Now, Bellamy has denied that either player has a point to prove, as they prepare to face England in a showpiece friendly at Wembley Stadium.
Craig Bellamy praises Leeds United stars
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against England, Bellamy was asked whether he believed Darlow and Ampadu had extra motivation to show they belong.
According to Bellamy, the two players only have a point to prove to themselves, as he praised their professionalism on the verge of the game. Bellamy said: “They’ve got nothing to prove to what we do and how we work. They’ve proven that.
“Darlow in a short space of time and Ethan, you forget how young he is, but still, the amount of years he’s been playing and playing for Wales, I don’t believe they do.
“So, listen, the only bit you ever have to prove is to yourself. No one else, no one else. And they’re two stand-up people, two real pros. So, yeah, I don’t believe it, no.”
Ethan Ampadu is closing in on Wales cap record
Although Ampadu is some way behind Gareth Bale at the top of the list, he stands an excellent chance of catching the Real Madrid legend at the top of Wales’ list of most-capped players.
According to Transfermarkt, Bale won 111 caps in his international career, two ahead of former goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and full-back Chris Gunter, who won 109 caps each.
Most-Capped Wales players with selected Leeds representation:
- Gareth Bale – 111 Caps
- Wayne Hennessey – 109 Caps
- Chris Gunter – 109 Caps
- Ben Davies – 98 Caps
- Neville Southall – 92 Caps
- Gary Speed – 85 Caps (8th)
- Dan James – 59 Caps (=25th)
- Ethan Ampadu – 56 Caps (33rd)
- Joe Rodon – 54 Caps (=34th)
Ahead of the game against England, Ampadu is 33rd in the list, three caps behind Leeds United teammate Dan James, who is joint 25th with 59.
However, Ampadu could feasibly have 10 years of top-level football left in him, having made his debut so young. If he continues to play in the Premier League, he could quickly close on the players above him in the list.
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