AFC Bournemouth
Josh Salmon is hoping his form for AFC Bournemouth will help him clearly define his Euro vision this summer.
The midfielder is this week set to represent Wales in the UEFA Under-17 European Championship Elite Round.
The squad, managed by Craig Knight, are set to play three games in six days in a group hosted by Romania.
Sweden and Bulgaria also make up the opposition for Wales in Group Two, with the first of their three contests coming against Romania on Wednesday (10am kick-off).
Across the continent, eight group winners and seven nations with the best records as runners up will progress to the final tournament in Cyprus this summer.
Salmon, who signed for the Cherries in 2023, is excited for the Elite Round stage having come through initial qualifying in Wales back in November.
He told afcb.co.uk: “It runs through my mum’s side of the family. She is Welsh and I probably got my call-up for Wales about two years ago now.
“All my mum’s side is Welsh. It was actually my grandad who was born in Wales. From my grandad’s side, all my mum’s side all grew up in Wales.
“It’s a really proud thing for me and my family. Putting on the badge and singing the anthem, especially. I am really proud to wear the badge for my mum and dad.
“The last qualifying round was hosted in Wales, so they came over to watch the games. My dad also came over to watch a tournament we played in Finland last May.”
And with his target set to reach the finale of the competition this summer, Salmon is fully focused on ensuring his club form is impressive.
“I just need to keep up the good form and get up the table with Bournemouth,” he added.
“Then with Wales. hopefully we can qualify for the actual Euros in Cyprus at the end of May. That’s the aim.”
Speaking about Salmon, under-18s manager James Lowy said: “In the summer, he is hopefully going to be off to the Under-17 Euros.
“If he keeps doing well here and keeps performing well, hopefully it will be another amazing opportunity and experience for him.”
George Chubinidze, who is part of the club’s under-16 setup and has also represented Lowy’s under-18s this campaign, is set to represent Georgia in the Elite Round in games against Turkey, Serbia and Denmark.
“It’s a case of trying to expose them to different environments and also tournament football, which a completely different kettle of fish as well,” said Lowy.
“To expose players to those challenges is really important and a great part of their development.”
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