Ryan Giggs: "I don''t feel any pressure to play David Brooks"

September 4, 2018
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from Inside Wales Sport
Wales boss Ryan Giggs says he doesn’t feel any pressure to cap youngster David Brooks in a competitive game.
 
Brooks is still yet to make his first competitive appearance for Wales, meaning he could still theoretically switch allegiance to England.
 
The Bournemouth winger previously represented England under-20s having played for the Wales youth setup earlier on in his young career.
 
However, having played in the Toulon Tournament for England, Brooks returned to represent Wales under-21s, before breaking into the first team.
 
 
 
Brooks, at the age of 21, already has three senior international appearances to his name, but they have all come in friendly fixtures.
 
That mans, theoretically, he could still play for England, something that can only be ruled out when he appears in a senior competitive fixture.
 
But despite concerns of that fate from some sections of the Wales support, manager Ryan Giggs says he doesn’t feel any pressure to play Brooks in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
 
“No I don’t feel any pressure,” said Giggs. “I went to see him in the first game of the season, Bournemouth v Cardiff
 
“Obviously it was his first game in the Premier League. He was with us in LA as well and he was brilliant.
 
“He was great around the place, and he’s a really talented player. I really enjoyed watching him train so it’s great he’s had that move, to a good club under a good coach. But it was more football reasons why I picked him and potentially pick him in the games.”
 
International allegiance has been a much-debated topic in recent weeks due to a tussle between Ireland and England over West Ham United youngster Declan Rice.
 
Like Brooks, Rice has made three senior international appearances, representing Republic of Ireland.
 
However, with no competitive caps to his name, Gareth Southgate and England are looking to convince the London-born defender to play for England.
 
Giggs had his say on the Declan Rice situation and whether it influences his thoughts on playing David Brooks. He added: “Like you say about Declan Rice, that’s something you’re never going to stop.
 
“It’s up to you to make sure you give players as much opportunities as you can. You have to give them the chance to perform on the international stage and that’s what I’m doing.”
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