MIKE Harris is calling for the FAW to create better pathways for players from the Welsh Premier League to represent their country.

The New Saints Football Club chairman's call follows the announcement of the latest Welsh national team squads which failed to feature a single player from a Welsh pyramid club at any age grade.

TNS are currently leading the way both on and off the pitch, representing the country in the UEFA Champions League as well as recently being awarded category A academy status meaning the club provides the highest standard of academy provision in the country.

However Harris has been left unimpressed by the lack of players being selected for Welsh squads.

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Harris said:“Following the announcement of the Wales national team squad for the upcoming European qualifiers, it is extremely disappointing that Wales remains one of few nations in world football ranked inside the top 50 to not have a player selected from its own domestic top flight.

"It is crucial for the development, exposure and future of the sport in Wales that there are opportunities for those who ply their trade in their home country to have the opportunity to pull on their country’s shirt.

"TNS are at the forefront of developing the next generation of talent within the Welsh domestic game, having been awarded Category A academy status, alongside two other Welsh domestic clubs, meaning we provide the very best provision possible to nurture the next generation of players through the system."

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Harris insisted JD Cymru Premier players should be part of the training camps for the national team.

He added: “The recent training camp squad selection was a fantastic chance for a player from the Welsh Premier League to gain the opportunity to be in and around the national team.

"There is so much talent in the country that deserves that opportunity, which in turn would have enhanced the awareness and reputation of domestic football within Wales.

"We are committed to working with the FAW both now and in the future to ensure there is a pathway from the domestic league to running out in the famous red shirt of Wales.”

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