Wales: Playing under Craig Bellamy a ‘pleasure’ – Joe Rodon

Wales will be without Rodon’s Leeds team-mates Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu for the upcoming double header – the latter being ruled out until 2025 due to a knee injury.

Such has been his influence since making his senior bow in 2017, Ampadu became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Wales as the team – managed then by Rob Page – defeated Finland 4-1 in a Euro 2024 play-off semi-final in March.

“We know how important they [Ampadu and James] are,” added Rodon.

“Ethan is a key player, not just for country but for club as well.

“It’s weird because over the last year and a half I’ve been with Ethan every step of the way.

“It’s a lot quieter not having him here, but I’m sure the strong person he is that he will recover quite quickly.”

Ampadu’s absence in central midfield paved the way for Joe Allen to make a surprise return to the Wales camp at the age of 34 following his international retirement in February 2023.

Boyhood Swansea City fan Rodon – who made 54 senior appearances for the Swans prior to joining Tottenham in 2020 – could not hide his delight with the return of Swansea academy product Allen to the Wales setup.

“I was buzzing. Surprised as well,” the defender said of seeing Allen return to international duty.

“But everyone knows how key Joe has been for Wales over the last however many years.

“So to have a character and experienced player like that come back into the group is only going to lift the level and benefit us all.

“I think every player that plays for Wales dreams and loves putting on the Welsh shirt.

“Of course, the unfortunate thing with Ethan getting injured, having Joe back has kind of brought back that depth and that strength in the squad.”