Llanelli's Jones gets Call-Up for Portugal

Llanelli winger Craig Jones has been called up to the travelling party for the Wales Semi Professional squad, which meets on Sunday in preparation for the International Challenge Trophy match against Portugal next Wednesday, 3rd March 2010.

Jones, who has played at senior semi-pro level as well as the Under 23 side, replaces Port Talbot's Drew Fahiya, who has withdrawn on compassionate grounds, to attend a family funeral.

Craig Jones joined Llanelli from Afan Lido in July 2007 and was a key member of their Championship winning 2007/08 squad. He played his junior football at the Lido but joined Swansea City before rejoining the Lido in 2006. He began his career as a striker, but was converted to an attack-minded right-back or right-winger.

After less than three months in the Welsh Premier, he was picked for the Wales Under 23 Semi Professional side that lost 4-2 to Italy in November 2007. He started the game at right-wing back to win his first International Cap and he was also named in the squad for the England fixture in February 2008, but unfortunately withdrew with injury. He played in the senior side's 4 Nations Tournament in North Wales in May 2008 and was again in the International Challenge Trophy Squad for the November 2008 fixture at Llanelli against Finland.

His progress stuttered shortly afterwards, when injury ruled him out for the majority of last year's campaign. He was named on stand-by for the match against Northern Ireland in November, but was unable to link up with the squad, so he will be delighted that his chance has come around again.

Wales Manager Terry Boyle said;

"This is very sad news for Drew and on behalf of the squad, I offer our condolences to him and his family. Craig has been with the squad before and he will fit into the way we approach the game and play, so I'm pleased for him."