Raya, Pickford and Wales’ search for a new keeper

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has called up 20-year-old Joe Duncan for the first time as he looks for future options in goal. Duncan, who plays for Southend United on loan from Bristol City, has impressed Bellamy in the National League; the call-up reflects a shortage of Welsh goalkeepers rather than an expectation that he will make his debut against Norway or Portugal.

Bellamy says lower-league football can help young goalkeepers learn their trade by exposing them to demanding conditions. Duncan has earned two Wales under-21 caps after previously being involved with Jamaica’s youth set-up, and Southend manager Kieron Dyer has also endorsed him. Wales’ regular keepers Karl Darlow, 36, and Danny Ward, 33, were described by Bellamy as “old”; other candidates are either not playing for their clubs or are in their thirties. Raya and Pickford are cited as examples of top keepers who gained experience through non-league loans.