Joe Rodon reveals how he tapped up Leeds United team-mate to play for Wales (original) (raw)

Joe Rodon has revealed a dinner time chat helped convince Leeds United team-mate Karl Darlow to finally answer the call to play for Wales.

The former Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has once again been called up by Wales boss Craig Bellamy, having turned down approaches from Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs in the past.

The 34-year-old finally accepted the call from Craig Bellamy, however, and made his debut in the 2-1 win over Montenegro in the last camp.

Having been called up again for the upcoming Nations League double header with Iceland and Montenegro, Darlow appears to be a firm part of Bellamy's plans going forward, and a Rodon says he played a small role in his inclusion.

"When I joined Leeds I tried to get him to come to Wales," Rodon said. "He's fitted in very quickly and I know his qualities working with him every day.

"He's only going to benefit the group and add to the level. It's brilliant. He signed for Leeds just before me and we were staying in the same hotel. We went for dinner one night and I said: 'I'm sure you can play for Wales'.

"To be fair, he didn't turn it down! I think it was just more him being a bit shocked that I knew to be honest. But like I said, every day I work with him in training in the club he's brilliant. So to have him here again is going to lift the quality of the squad."

Rodon and Darlow are members of a somewhat reduced Elland Road contingent, with Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu both set to miss out due to injury, and Rodon admits it's a blow to be without the pair.

"We know how important they are," he added. "Ethan is a key player, not just for country but for club as well. It's really unfortunate but that's part of the game. We wish him a speedy recovery and I'm sure he'll be back soon.

"He plays almost every minute and that's a credit to him. He's got so many more years in the game. He almost deserves a bit of a rest!

"He is the anchor of the team, he's the protection. He sniffs out danger and sees things that others don't see. He's got tremendous ability with both feet, the way he plays the ball. He's stepped into that leader role quite well and everyone knows what type of character he is.

"He's going to be a massive loss, but we have a squad and, with the coaching staff we have, everyone knows their jobs. If one misses out another steps in."

One man that could potentially step in is veteran midfielder Joe Allen, who's back in camp for the first time since reversing his decision to retire from international football, a move Rodon insists came as no surprise.

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"I think every player that plays for Wales dreams and loves putting on the Welsh shirt. So it really doesn't surprise me.

"Of course, that's just the way it is for us. There's the unfortunate thing with Ethan getting injured, and having Joe back has kind of brought back that depth and that strength in the squad.

"I think every Welsh player knows it's an honour pulling on the Welsh shirt and we all know it's an honour playing for our country.

"I've no idea on the minutes [he'll play], but what he's done for Wales in his career, how he is as a person. He's only going to benefit the group in massive ways people won't see. So to have him back is brilliant for us."

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