JD Cymru Premier goalkeepers on Cymru U21 ambitions

The JD Cymru Premier will be represented on the international stage this week with goalkeepers Luke Armstrong and Kit Margetson both included in the Cymru U21 squad for their opening EURO qualifier against Denmark at Rodney Parade on Monday 8 September.

Armstrong is currently on loan at Penybont from Cardiff City, while Margetson has joined Connah’s Quay Nomads on loan from Swansea City. The two 19-year-olds sat down during camp this week to share their experiences of playing in the domestic top-flight and how valuable their loan moves have been at this stage of their respective careers.

“It’s been really good,” explained Armstrong. “I’m really enjoying it, and it’s been a great experience playing men’s football every week. Getting that experience and learning things I wouldn’t be able to get playing U21s football has been really good. It’s the next step for me, I want to progress every season, and I felt like this was my next progression and I’m really happy at the club.”

Armstrong played both UEFA Conference League qualifiers for Penybont against Lithuanian side FK Kauno Žalgiris in July and has started four competitive domestic games this season. Meanwhile, Margetson, the son of Cymru goalkeeping coach Martyn, has been ever-present for Connah’s Quay Nomads in their opening six games of the campaign.

“It’s been a really good learning experience for me especially coming into my first season in men’s football,” said Margetson. “So far, it’s gone really well. It was definitely the right time for me after spending last season with the U21s at Swansea and being around the first team training. I felt that this season was the season to go out and get that exposure of men’s football to develop and keep progressing.”

Being selected for the Cymru U21 squad means that both players have been able to swap notes on their experiences of the domestic game this week. “There’s a goalkeeper union and we can help and support each other as we’re both young goalkeepers playing at men’s level,” Margetson added. “We’re both going to make mistakes so it’s good to have each other there in the league, even though we’re not in the same team.”

“When we first came into the camp all we spoke about was our experiences in the Cymru Premier and how much we’re enjoying it,” explained Armstrong. “We’ve had really positive conversations about the benefits of playing in it and how much we’re enjoying it.”

However, the focus for both goalkeepers turns to international football this week, with their potential Cymru U21s debuts very much the collective ambition.

“It’s about just getting into as many camps as I can and hopefully make my U21 debut and push to become number one,” Armstrong added. “Then in the long run, hopefully break into the first team. I enjoy representing Wales and every time I put that shirt on I just want to give my best for the country. It’s about progression and the next step is to make my U21 debut and hopefully that will come soon.”

“It’s always a privilege and an honour to represent your country, especially at U21 level having come through the U17s and U19s,” explained Margetson. “It would mean a lot to me to represent my country at U21 level, it would be a massive achievement. It would be a really proud moment after all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made, and for my family, with all the help and support they’ve given me over the years.”