Wales name teenager Andrews, but suffer Ramsey blow



Wales have named uncapped teenager Kai Andrews in their injury-hit squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.

The 18-year-old midfielder's unexpected inclusion comes as captain Aaron Ramsey misses out again after sustaining another hamstring injury on Tuesday, prompting a recall for Tom Lawrence.

Andrews, who has represented Wales Under-19s, is on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City.

He has started only three league games for the Scottish Premiership club since joining in January, but impressed during their win over Rangers earlier this month as he played the full 90 minutes.

Cardiff City midfielder Ramsey, 34, had been expected to return to the Wales squad for the first time since last September, but was forced off the field during his club side's 2-1 defeat against Luton Town.

Wales were already without two highly influential players, Leeds United skipper Ethan Ampadu and Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson, due to injury.

Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and Sheffield United left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies are also sidelined, but Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper is back from injury.

Lawrence will be involved for the first time under Craig Bellamy, having won his most recent cap in March 2021.

Wales begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at home against Kazakhstan on Saturday, 22 March before travelling to North Macedonia three days later.

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