David Brooks back with Wales´ Under-21 squad

Wales have returned David Brooks to the Under-21 squad after the exciting Sheffield United forward’s progress was slowed by a bout of glandular fever.

Brooks won his first senior caps against France and Panama in November under former Wales manager Chris Coleman.

The 20-year-old turned in a man-of-the-match performance on his first start – the 1-1 draw against World Cup-bound Panama in Cardiff – and it was expected that he would become a senior regular.

Wales forward David Brooks has returned to the Under-21 squad after illness (David Davies/PA)

Wales forward David Brooks has returned to the Under-21 squad after illness (David Davies/PA)

But Brooks has only just returned after missing two months of the season through illness, scoring in his third comeback game against Burton on Tuesday night.

And new Wales boss Ryan Giggs feels Brooks will benefit more from playing in the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier in Bosnia-Herzegovina next week rather than travelling with the senior squad to Asia for the China Cup.

“I never thought I’d see him again if I’m honest,” Under-21 manager Rob Page said.

“But it makes sense not for him to travel 12 hours across all those time zones and potentially knock him backwards.

“He’s only just come back from glandular fever and it’s the sensible thing to do.

“I spoke to Chris Wilder (Sheffield United manager) and David himself and there was no disappointment.

“Sheffield United have just got him back and want him firing on full cylinders as they go for the Championship play-offs.”

Wales Under21s play in Zenica on March 23, seeking to avenge a 4-0 home defeat in November and keep alive their qualification hopes.

Squad: Pillington (Tranmere), O Evans (Wigan), Coxe, Abbruzzese (both Cardiff), Norrington-Davies (Sheff Utd), Poole (Man Utd), Harries, Rodon, Lewis (all Swansea), Harris (Cardiff), Brooks (Sheff Utd), Smith (Man City), Babos (Derby), J Evans (Swansea), Morrell (Bristol City), Thomas (Leicester), Matondo (Man City), James (Swansea).

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