Wales have named their squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, with key players Ceri Holland, Olivia Clark, and Laura Hughes included, but experienced midfielder Hayley Ladd missing due to injury.
Ceri Holland, who withdrew from the April double-header against Albania, returns after featuring for Liverpool in the closing weeks of the Women's Super League season. Goalkeeper Olivia Clark also returns after recovering from an ankle injury sustained while on Wales duty in February, having played in Leicester City's final league games.
Laura Hughes, who switched allegiance from Australia to Wales last December, is included for just the second time after missing the previous two camps through injury. Uncapped midfielder Elena Cole (19) and defender Scarlett Hill (18), both part of Wales Under-19s, earn senior call-ups.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson expressed excitement about the squad's depth: "I think it's an exciting squad – we are really building our depth with Wales. We can't have a squad that names itself and we are seeing that this one does."
However, Wilkinson will be without Hayley Ladd, who helped Crystal Palace win promotion to the WSL, due to what she described as a "knock."
Wales face Montenegro away on Friday, 5 June, followed by a home match against the Czech Republic at Cardiff City Stadium on 9 June. Currently second in Group B1, level on points with the Czechs but behind on goal difference, Wales need victories in both final group games to top the table and secure a favorable play-off draw.
Attacking midfielder Carrie Jones is set to earn her 50th cap if she plays in both fixtures.