University of South Wales graduate Chloe Lloyd returns to Wales squad ahead of Czech Republic friendly

by Callum Ellis

UNIVERSITY of South Wales graduate Chloe Lloyd has re-joined Jayne Ludlow’s Wales squad following a lengthy spell with injury.

Midfielder Lloyd, who has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, returns to the camp and could be set to win her third cap against the Czech Republic next week.

Wales are back at Rodney Parade for the first time since August where they narrowly missed out to England for a place at this year’s World Cup.

Ludlow’s side will continue their preparations ahead of the Euro 2020/1 qualifying campaign, following the recent double-header in Marbella.

Bristol City defender Loren Dykes is set to become Wales’ second centurion, alongside Jess Fishlock, as she closes in on her 100th cap.

The experienced Fishlock and Sophie Ingle, who both advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with their respective club sides, are both named in the squad.

 

 

Football Association of Wales’ Young Player of the Year Elise Hughes is also included.

More than 1,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the clash in Newport, meaning it will be the highest attended Wales Women’s international friendly.

“It’s really nice to come back home with a record crowd and hopefully we will get a few more,” said Ludlow.

“It is a special event for one of our players in particular, so the more people we can get to turn up and see us play, obviously the better.

“Any player [Loren Dykes] that amasses that number of caps is someone we that we are really proud of and somebody that we’ve really valued over the years.”

The squad in full: Laura O’Sullivan, Olivia Clark, Sophie Ingle, Hayley Ladd, Loren Dykes, Gemma Evans, Charlie Estcourt, Cori Williams, Ffion Morgan, Anna Filbey, Chloe Lloyd, Angharad James, Jess Fishlock, Kylie Nolan, Elise Hughes, Grace Horrell, Megan Wynne, Helen Ward , Kayleigh Green, Natasha Harding.