Manchester United forward Louie Bradbury says relishing his first Cymru Under-19 EURO call-up as the young striker prepares to represent his country at this summer’s finals in north Wales.
The teenager has enjoyed a breakthrough few months, earning international recognition after impressing in Cymru’s Under-19 set-up and scoring his first goal for the side against Sweden earlier this month.
Reflecting on his selection, Bradbury admitted the call-up was a proud moment for both himself and his family.
“It’s been brilliant news,” he said. “Me and my family have been itching for the news for the EURO squad. When I got the call, it was just brilliant news, and I was just so proud, like my family was as well.
“As a young lad, you go to these camps and you try and impress. As a striker, the only way to impress really is to get on the scoresheet. To score was a great feeling, and I was just over the moon. My family were proud as well, especially because they were out there watching.”
Bradbury’s footballing journey began at Corwen, where he played alongside his older brother and developed under the guidance of coaches who helped shape his early career.
“It was a brilliant setup there,” he said. “They do the utmost to make sure you develop at a young age. It’s literally a brilliant place to be. I loved my football there.”
One of those influences was Harry Wilson’s uncle, who coached Bradbury during his time at Corwen. Growing up, Bradbury also looked up to the Cymru international and hopes to follow a similar path in the game.
“He was brilliant,” Bradbury said. “He always used to call me by a nickname, ‘Coco’. He’s just a brilliant fellow, and he was someone to look up to when I was younger, definitely, because I saw him doing well for Wales. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.”
The opportunity to represent Cymru at a major tournament is made even more special by the fact the finals are taking place in north Wales, with all of Cymru’s group-stage fixtures scheduled for Cae Ras in Wrexham.
Cymru open the tournament against Spain on 28 June (18:00) before taking on Germany on 1 July (20:00) and Denmark on 4 July (14:00) in Group A.
Bradbury is relishing the prospect of testing himself against some of Europe’s elite young talent in front of a home crowd.
“I’m buzzing for it, really, especially because it’s local and sort of on my doorstep with my family,” he said. “It’ll be brilliant to represent Cymru, especially against these tough nations. It’s a showcase for us players and for the country to go out and perform.”
“It’ll be such a proud moment to walk out at the Racecourse. “That’s what us players play for, really. Because it’s in front of our fans and it’s at home, it should give us that extra boost. Hopefully we can make all the fans proud.”
