Cardiff City’s teenage full-back Adam Matthews has admitted to being nervous ahead of Saturday’s international between Wales and Scotland at Citys new stadium.
Matthews, still only 17, received a late call up into John Toshack’s squad on Monday, and following Chris Gunter’s withdrawal speculation has mounted that he could make his international debut this weekend.
Speaking to the Club’s official website, Matthews said:
“Being in the Wales squad has been a good experience, and the boys have made me welcome. Every player hopes to play for his country, and when Dave Jones called me in on Monday to tell me Wales wanted me, I was really pleased. The gaffer has helped me so much and kept faith in me.”
“If I’m lucky enough to get the call to play on Saturday, I’ll be nervous, but I’ll enjoy it. This is what every player wants to do.”
Matthews has been drafted in by national coach Toshack after only 13 first-team appearances for City, and the youngster revealed:
“The highlight for me so far was my 50-yard goal against Watford. It should probably get the award for fluke goal of the season. I know it was a fluke, everybody else knew it was a fluke – but I’ll take it!”
Swansea-born Matthews played in his first South Wales derby in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at the Liberty Stadium. He added:
“I was booed every time I touched the ball, but I expected that. We didn’t play well but we’ll give them a game next time.”
