Wales boss Bellamy calls up Joe Duncan as goalkeeper search widens
Craig Bellamy has named Bristol City's Joe Duncan, on loan at Southend United, in his Wales squad for the Nations League, highlighting the value of non-league experience for young goalkeepers.
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has included 20-year-old goalkeeper Joe Duncan in his squad for this month's Nations League matches against Norway and Portugal. Duncan, who is on loan at National League side Southend United from Bristol City, was born in Bristol and previously represented Jamaica at youth level before committing to Wales. He has two under-21 caps and earned his first senior call-up on Wednesday.
Bellamy explained that Duncan is not expected to make his debut against Norway in Oslo next weekend, where Wales will face Erling Haaland and company. Instead, the call-up is part of a broader effort to assess future goalkeeping options. "You have to start somewhere as a goalkeeper, you have to learn your trade," Bellamy said. "I love goalkeepers playing lower leagues, especially development goalkeepers... in those leagues, you're not getting anything. It's perfect, the way I see it, for a young goalkeeper."
Duncan's progress at Southend has been aided by manager Kieron Dyer, a close friend of Bellamy from their playing days at Newcastle and West Ham. "Kieron loves [Duncan] and I respect his view on football," Bellamy said. "His IQ on the game is one of the best I've been involved with." Bellamy has watched Duncan play but kept a low profile to avoid distracting the young keeper.
Wales' goalkeeping depth is a concern. Bellamy described current first-choice keepers Karl Darlow, 36, and Danny Ward, 33, as "old" in a playful but pointed remark. Third-choice options Tom King, 31, and Adam Davies, 34, are not playing regularly for their clubs. Bellamy admitted Wales are "lacking" in the goalkeeping department and cannot delve into the transfer market to solve the issue.
Bellamy pointed to examples like David Raya, who had a loan at Southport before winning the Premier League with Arsenal, and Jordan Pickford, who spent time at Darlington and Alfreton Town before becoming England's number one. He also cited James Trafford's loans at Bolton before his big-money move. "You've got to earn your stripes," Bellamy said. "I've seen it with Traffs."
While some supporters may be surprised by Duncan's inclusion, the call-up reflects Bellamy's pragmatic approach to a thin talent pool. As Raya and Pickford have shown, non-league loans can be a valuable stepping stone. Duncan now has the chance to follow a similar path.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
