The club season might be over, but for Scotland and Wales, next month will determine their FIFA World Cup fate with both nations set to compete in the final round of European play-offs.
With Rob Page’s side already into the final, a tie with Scotland could fall upon Wales should Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army beat Ukraine in their semi-final clash at Hampden Park on June 1st.
Given the context of these World Cup qualifiers, Ukraine heading to Qatar later this year would be a dream outcome for many neutrals of the sport, yet for Wales and Scotland, either side could play the villain in eliminating the European nation in the play-offs next month.
Moreover, for some players in the home nations’ squads, they will be using these massive international matches as a way to win some potential suitors during the June fixtures, and here are five names who could star in the upcoming games for Scotland or Wales.
Danny Ward
For a Premier League goalkeeper who cost almost £13m, Danny Ward’s time with Leicester City has hardly gone to plan, with the Wales no. 1 making just 19 appearances for the Foxes in four seasons for the club.
With more appearances for Wales in 2021 than the past two seasons with Leicester, a summer move is more than needed for the 28-year-old goalkeeper, and if Ward can impress for the Dragons in June, the shot-stopper could win himself a much-needed simmer transfer away from Leicester,
Joe Rodon
Another regular for Wales who has hardly featured since winning a big Premier League move is Joe Rodon, who according to reports is ready to leave Tottenham this summer after falling out of Antonio Conte’s long-term plans for the north London side.
A star in the Championship with Swansea City, Rodon is more than capable of performing at a top-level if given the platform to develop and play regular minutes, and this summer should see the talented defender secure a move from Tottenham in the coming weeks.
Lewis Ferguson
From two players who aren’t playing enough football to one who missed just two club games all season, Lewis Ferguson has long been tipped with a big move away from Aberdeen and even beyond Scotland, and this summer could be the time the midfielder earns his transfer.
A dynamic 22-year-old with the potential to become a real top-level midfielder, Ferguson will no doubt be eager to impress for Scotland over the international break if given the chance by Clarke, and with clubs already reportedly eyeing the Aberdeen star, it could be life-changing few weeks for the youngster.
Billy Gilmour
Billy Gilmour has been lauded by many as one of Scotland’s most exciting talents for some time, yet after a failure of a loan spell with Norwich City, the teenage midfield could be ready for a new challenge.
Whilst Chelsea will fight hard to keep the former Rangers academy star on their books, a move away from west London could be perfect for Gilmour, who could really struggle to become a regular first-team player with the two-time UEFA Champions League winners.
Brennan Johnson
The Championship has proven to be a hotbed of homegrown players for English clubs, and Brennan Johnson has arguably been the pick of the bunch this season as the Wales star guided Nottingham Forest to a play-off finish.
With the likes of Everton, Leeds United and Newcastle United all reportedly interested in the £20m-rated winger, Johnson has the potential to become Wales’ next big thing since one Gareth Bale, and his performances next month could dictate the 21-year-old’s future this summer.
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