Ipswich Town goalkeeper Michael Crowe was taken by surprise when he found out he had been called up for international duty, but is determined to learn as much as he can while away with the Wales squad.
Crowe, who was born in London, raised in Norway and qualifies for Wales through his grandparents, is one of three goalkeepers travelling to the China Cup this week, for games against the hosts on Thursday and then either Uruguay or the Czech Republic on Monday.
The 22-year-old has yet to make his first-team debut for Ipswich and has played just 10 games of senior football during loan spells at National League sides Woking and Braintree.
But, having played for his country at youth and Under-21 level, is excited by the opportunity with Ryan Giggs’ squad.
“I was a little surprised but I think I’ve worked hard and earned my place there so I’m very happy,” Crowe said.
“The coaches down at Ipswich told me about it on Thursday morning and then I spoke with Tony Roberts, the goalkeeping coach there, and now we’re all very excited to see what I can bring to the team.
FLASHBACK: ‘Crowe has been a credit to Ipswich Town’ - Cowley (Feb’ 2016)
“Wales have two very experienced goalkeepers (Wayne Hennessey of Crystal Palace and Preston’s Chris Maxwell) and I think I’m coming in as on for the future.
“But hopefully I can make a good impression and stick around.
Plenty of new experiences await Crowe, including training alongside a host of Premier League players as well as Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.
“I’ve never been to China either and have read a lot about it so I’m looking forward to that side of things,” he said.
“Obviously training with Gareth Bale means you have world class players in the squad and the Premier League players as well, so I’m going to take in every second of it and hopefully improve.”
FLASHBACK: ‘Confident Crowe has a bright future at Town’ – Loach (July 2013)
At club level, Crowe has been on the bench on 20 occasions this season with Dean Gerken sidelined with a hip injury, and the youngster has enjoyed backing up Bartosz Bialkowski.
“Unfortunately for Gerks he has got injured but for me to be around the first team more has definitely helped and improved my game.
“Being around in the matchday squads has also helped things. I’m trying to take as much as I can and see where I end up.”
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