Chris Coleman is seriously considering handing Liverpool wonder kid Ben Woodburn a Wales cap against Republic of Ireland later this month, in a bid to secure his national loyalties ahead ofarch rivals England.
Just 17-years-old, Woodburn has previously represented Wales at U19 level, and reportedly turned down the opportunity to represent his native England when he received a call up to the England U16s.
Nonetheless the FA remained optimistic of tempting Woodburn to play for the Three Lions. However, according toThe Sun, it now seems Coleman is planning on stealing a march on England by offering the Liverpool forward a call up to the senior squad this month.
Ben Woodburn with a goal and U23s with a picture perfect counter attack. ï”´ï”´ï”´ #LFC pic.twitter.com/YezXWtVbKr
The Liverpool hotshot burst onto the scene scoring in the Reds' EFL Cup tie with Leeds earlier in the season.In doing so, he broke Anfield legend Michael Owen's record to become the Merseyside club's youngest ever scorer.
The World Cup Qualification campaign has not been smooth sailing for the Euro 2016 finalists. Wales currently sit in 3rd place, with just one win from their opening four games.
Nonetheless, Coleman will be boosted by having his star pair Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey back from injury for the trip to Dublin.
The Welsh are in need ofa win in Group D, and will be seeking to close the four point gap on Martin O'Neill's side when they face off on the 24th March.