On Tuesday 16th October, County Academy graduate, Modou Touray, made his U21s Wales debut.
Touray, who is currently impressing on loan at Barry Town United, was first called up for the Wales representative teams in Novermber 2017 when he played two U19s international friendlies in Rhyl against Switzerland and Turkey.
He took his opportunity with both hands grabbing the opening goal for Wales U19s on his debut. He has been called up a number of times since in both friendlies and competitive campaigns.
Touray was a late call-up to Rob Page’s 16-man squad and started the game on the bench but Modou had his moment to shine as he made his debut on the 80th minute replacing current County loanee Mark Harris.
Speaking about his call-up, Modou said: “I had the news on Sunday when I was just lying in bed. I was over the moon [when I found out], I never saw myself getting a call up and playing with these top players and I’m glad I’ve had that opportunity.”
When asked about making his debut, the youngster admitted he was "very excited": “I’m glad the manager trusted me to come on,” he told www.faw.cymru. “I’m glad I got that opportunity to show him what I could do.”
“I hope that I showed enough for the manager to trust me enough to call-me up or start me in the next campaign.
“I’m over the moon [to have made my debut] and in front of my dad, my family and friends. It’s once in a lifetime and I’m glad the ones I’m close to were here to support me.”
Barry Town United’s manager, Gavin Chesterfield, was also quick to heap praise on Touray.
“Modou has adapted really well to the JD Welsh Premier League and the demands that are on him, and he’s reaping the benefits now. You can see that both [Touray, and Touray’s international teammate Ben Cabango] are making more educated decisions, that they have a hardiness to them that only comes with playing regular senior football.
“Modou has a thirst to improve, and that desire to get better which will always stand him in good stead – what the JDWPL has offered him is an opportunity to showcase his talent, it’s given him a canvas upon which to work on a regular basis, and seeing him wearing that Wales jersey will have been a proud moment for everyone involved in his development.”
During his press conference on Wednesday, Michael Flynn commented: “First things first, you’ve got to say congratulations for his first cap. I was sat next to his dad and he had a proud smile from ear to ear and that was good to see.
“I’m over the moon for Modou especially as he had a hand in the third goal.”
Flynn also praised current loan player Mark Harris' performance: "He set up the second and maybe he should have scored, I always fancy him in those one vs one situations but he was a pest all night. And it's good to see him coming out of there unscathed."
