Gills loanees Andrew Crofts and George Williams called up to the Welsh squad for this week's international fixtures
Gillingham loanees Andrew Crofts and George Williams have been named in the Welsh squad for their country’s two international friendlies this weekend.The pair, on-loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham respectively, form two of Chris Coleman’s 26-man squad for Wales’s games against Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Thursday (March 24th) and the Ukraine in Kiev four days later. Both have been with the squad since Sunday, although they may only figure in the former match.
Crofts has represented his country on 27 times, but has not played for Wales since September 2013 after suffering two cruciate knee injuries. With a potential place in their Euro 2016 squad, he has cited the opportunity of playing first-team football as a reason for re-joining the Gills.
“It speaks volumes of Chris Hughton to let him out on loan, he knows what a fantastic opportunity is there for Crofts,” said Gills manager Justin Edinburgh. “To go to the Euros is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Chris knows the magnitude of what’s at stake for Croftsy.
“I’m pleased for George, too. We were aware when we brought him into the group that there was not only an incentive for him to get first team games, but also a massive incentive to go to the Euros.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, and if he can get in that final squad, it’ll mean he’s achieved what we wanted him to here at Gillingham.”