Wales seemed to have turned up their nose on the ability of Cardiff City striker Nat Jarvis but Antigua and Barbuda and keen for him to join their international squad. Along with a number of other eligible UK base players he was invited to play in a couple of friendlies before the World Cup qualifiers against Curacao last weekend a game they win 5-2.
The young striker has not played at any level for Wales and the product of the Cardiff City youth system is a bit frustrated with the situation, but he is eligible via his grandfather to turn out for the Caribbean team. He was unable to join up with the Antigua and Barbuda squad this time. He is however considering his future options and could take up the offer for the next round of games in their World Cup qualifiers next month or could Wales finally step in.
In the craziness of the FIFA world rankings Antigua are placed at 106 while Wales a 117. Tony Rees, of Blue Chip London, who represent Jarvis, told the South Wales Echo,
“Nat has been bitterly disappointed to be overlooked by Wales at all levels.
“I have written to Wales manager Gary Speed and copied in age level coach Brian Flynn. But nothing has been resolved and Antigua, who are above Wales in the world rankings, are keen for him to be in their squad.
“We will check the Antigua fixture schedule and talk things through with Cardiff before making a final decision.
“But Nat is keen to play for a country playing World Cup qualifying matches now and keen to qualify for the Olympic Games next year.”
He is a first year professional, he will need to concentrate on his future with Cardiff City more than anything else it is his bread and butter job. If Jarvis was to play in the Olympics, the schedule runs from 26 July 2012 until 10 August when the final takes place. If Cardiff extends his one-year contract, his decision will mean him missing most if not all of pre-season.
No comments:
Post a Comment