Wednesday 8 August 2012

BODIN CALLED UP FOR WALES UNDER-21'S

Torquay United will have to make do without the services of summer signing Billy Bodin for their opening competitive fixture of the season after he was selected in the Wales Under-21 squad to face Armenia.

Bodin, who joined the Gulls from Swindon Town for £70,000 during the close season, will miss Torquay's Capital One Cup clash with Leicester City next Tuesday before returning to the Gulls squad for their opening league encounter at Fleetwood Town.

Gulls boss Martin Ling was disappointed to lose Billy's services, especially after he scored the equalising goal in Torquay's 1-1 draw with Premier League side Stoke City on Monday night, which marked the opening of Bristow's Bench.

“He will be away from Sunday to Wednesday and that’s why he only played half-hour against Stoke and he will do the same at Weston-super-Mare on Friday." said Ling.

“It is a little bit disappointing to lose him, especially when you look at the goal against Stoke and some of his touches were very good, but he will be ready for the league campaign at Fleetwood.”

If selected, Bodin will become the second contracted Torquay United player to play Wales Under-21's after Alex Lawless, who was selected in February 2006.

The qualfier will be played at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on 15th August 2012 and the full squad is as follows:  
Christopher MAXWELL - Fleetwood Town

Daniel WARD - Liverpool

Kieron FREEMAN - Nottingham Forest

Ashley RICHARDS - Swansea City

Daniel ALFEI - Swansea City

David STEPHENS - Hibernians

Troy BROWN - Aldershot Town

Adam HENLEY - Blackburn Rovers

Lee LUCAS - Swansea City

Jake HOWELLS - Luton Town

Ryan DOBLE - Shrewsbury Town

Billy BODIN - Torquay United

Ashton TAYLOR - Tranmere Rovers

Jake CASSIDY - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Eliot RICHARDS - Bristol Rovers

Jonathan WILLIAMS - Crystal Palace

Tom BRADSHAW - Shrewsbury Town

Jake TAYLOR - Reading