Keeper Darlow poised to commit to Wales

Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is set to be included in new Wales manager Craig Bellamy’s first squad.

Wales play Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Nations League on Friday, 6 September ahead of a trip to Montenegro on Monday, 9 September.

The 33-year-old has long been a target of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and now seems set to pledge his international future to Wales, with the squad announcement expected on Wednesday morning.

Born in Northampton, Darlow qualifies for Bellamy’s squad through his grandfather, Ken Leek, who played 15 times for Wales in the 1960s, scoring five goals.

Darlow, who has also played for Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United along with loans at Newport County, Walsall and Hull City, has previously turned down the opportunity to be in Wales squads in 2013 and 2018.

However, the addition of another experienced goalkeeper is a significant boost for Wales, who have seen their options diminish in goal.

Free agent Wayne Hennessey is recovering from a long-term injury and Darlow would provide competition for Leicester City’s Danny Ward.

Martyn Margetson has joined Bellamy’s new-look Wales coaching staff as goalkeeper coach having left the same role for England, and Darlow would have the chance to work with the vastly experienced former Wales, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City stopper.

Darlow could become the fifth Wales international from the current squad at Elland Road, joining teammates Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, Joe Rodon and Charlie Crew.