Colwill brothers aim for double Wales celebration

Joel Colwill is hoping to watch his brother Rubin help get Wales' Craig Bellamy era off to a flyer this week and then help to secure a piece of Welsh football history with Wales Under-21s.

Cardiff City’s Colwill is currently on loan at League Two Cheltenham Town and scored the winner in their 2-1 Bristol Street Motors EFL Trophy victory at Newport County on Tuesday night.

But he will miss Cheltenham’s League Two home game with Harrogate Town this weekend, because he is part of the Wales U21s squad who face a crucial European qualifier against Iceland in Reykjavik next Tuesday.

Older brother Rubin, meanwhile, is part of the Wales squad that plays Turkey on Friday night in Cardiff and away to Montenegro on Monday.

The elder Colwill was originally selected for the U21s but was elevated to the senior squad for Friday's Nations League opener at his home Cardiff City Stadium.

“I am delighted for him even though I love playing with him. I am really happy for him to be called up," Joel Colwill said.

“Hopefully I will get a chance to watch him. Usually, whether it’s the Under-21s or the Under-18s, whenever the first team play we usually sit around and watch the game, so I am hoping I get the chance."

Wales U21 are currently second in Group I behind Denmark on goal difference. The Danes have a game in hand – but Matty Jones’ side are in the hunt for an historic qualification and Joel Colwill is excited.

He said: “The 21s are doing very well at the minute. Matty Jones has the team playing very well. If we qualify it will be the first time we have ever qualified.

“Every game we play from now on is a massive game for the Under-21s to make history.

“To play for your country at any level is an honour and I am absolutely delighted to be called up.”

The focus on his nation over the next few days adds to Colwill’s appetite for the game, as he experiences his first loan spell away from Cardiff City.

He is seen as one of the bright prospects at the Bluebirds, bringing an industry to the midfield, while also being able to play as a full-back. Cardiff underlined their hopes for Colwill by awarding him a five-year deal in September 2023.

That followed his Cardiff senior bow in the Carabao Cup, and Colwill had a taste of Championship football with two substitute appearances towards the end of the 23-24 campaign.

Colwill, 19, made his mark with Cheltenham by scoring two goals, including the winner, in their 3-2 victory over Newport on the opening day of the League Two season.

And he said: “I am hoping to gain experience. It’s my first loan to men’s football and there is nothing more important than getting experience at a young age. I hope I get that here and I hope I get as many minutes as I can, and I hope I can help the team as much as I can.

“They (Cardiff) said to me go out there enjoy it and do what you do. They have confidence in me I can do well at this level, so I have to repay their confidence and the gaffer’s confidence for bringing me in and hopefully have a good season here.”

When he was manager of Newport, the now Cheltenham boss Mike Flynn had an enviable record in selecting loan players and helping them on their way to greater things.

Arsenal’s Ben White and Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo are among Flynn's past loanees to have flourished.

Colwill said: “He (Flynn) has been really good to me so far, he has been good to all the lads. I have really enjoyed it.

“On a personal note I am hoping to get as many goals and assists as possible but it’s all really to contribute towards the team.”