Manchester City academy midfielder called up by Ryan Giggs for Wales senior squad – City Watch

Manchester City academy midfielder called up by Ryan Giggs for Wales senior squad

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Oliver Skipp of Tottenham Hotspur is tackled by Matt Smith of Manchester City during the Premier League 2 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at The Lamex Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

New Wales manager Ryan Giggs has handed a surprise call up to one of the many bright young talents of the Manchester City academy, Matt Smith, for their upcoming friendly against Mexico.

Though predominantly a midfielder, Smith has also played at right-back in City’s youth ranks, and captained Wales at under-17 level before moving up to the under-21s.

Smith, who made his debut for City’s under-18 side while just 16, has made 19 appearances for City’s Elite Development Squad in the Premier League 2 this season and featured 7 times in the UEFA Youth League.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United legend Giggs, who has summoned him into a 23-man squad that will travel to Pasadena in California for an international challenge match against Mexico on 28 May.

Smith will train and potentially play alongside the likes of Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal, Ashley Williams of Everton and Ben Davies of Tottenham.

A former City youth player, David Brooks, who now plays for Sheffield United and has attracted interest from Everton, is also in Giggs’ squad.

Meanwhile, another of City’s young hopes, Rabbi Matondo, has been named in Rob Page’s Wales under-21 squad to face Georgia in a double header next month.