Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn will be called up to Wales’ first team for World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland
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BEN WOODBURN will be named in the Wales squad on Thursday for the World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
SunSport revealed last Sunday that the Liverpool whizkid, 17, was set to receive a shock call for the Group D showdown in Dublin on March 24.
And Wales boss Chris Coleman has opted to pick the teen star in his 23-man squad - which has been trimmed from an enlarged provisional party - named in Cardiff on Thursday morning.
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The English-born ace will be joined by Real Madrid's Gareth Bale who has returned to fitness following a successful ankle operation while Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is back in action after a calf problem.
Woodburn made his seventh appearance of the season for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the 2-1 home win over Burnley at Anfield last Sunday, replacing Philippe Coutinho on the hour mark.
If Woodburn, born in Nottingham but grew up in Chester, appears at the Aviva Stadium next Friday night at the age of 17 years and 160 days he would become the third youngest player for his country behind Kop team-mate Harry Wilson, who was 16 when he was capped in Belgium four years ago, and Bale.
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The uncapped wideman has already created his own piece of history at club level this season by becoming Liverpool's youngest goalscorer after netting against Leeds in the EFL Cup back in November - beating Michael Owen's record.
Woodburn has been part of the Wales set-up since the age of 13 and has represented the Dragons at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-19 level after qualifying through his grandfather.
He also qualifies for England but Coleman said last year he had little fear over Woodburn's commitment following the investment already put into his youth development.
Ipswich loanee Jonny Williams is also available following a recovery from his shoulder operation but Emyr Huws (hamstring) and Simon Church (hip) are out.
The Euro 2016 semi-finalists trail Martin O’Neill’s side by four points after four games of the campaign and travel to Ireland in need of a win.