JAKE PHILLIPS hopes to follow in the footsteps of father Waynne by pulling on the famous red shirt of Wales tonight.

Phillips junior is in the Wales C squad ahead of Tuesday evening’s clash with rivals England C at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium (7.45pm).

The Connah’s Quay Nomads midfielder will be keen to make an impression for Mark Jones’ Welsh Premier League side and emulate Waynne, who represented Wales B during his playing days, narrowly missing out on a full cap after winning call-ups.

“I’ve had a good upbringing from him,” said Jake. “He didn’t push me to play football, but I did it because I enjoyed it and he’s always been there to offer me support and advice.

“When you get the phone call saying you are in the Wales C squad you are obviously pleased, but then when you’ve got together and trained you hope to go one better and take part, whether that is from the start or as a substitute.”

The 22-year-old fluent Welsh speaker has caught the eye in recent weeks for Nomads after returning from a loan spell with Cymru Alliance outfit Bangor City.

He continued: “It’s a good experience being in the squad and coming from club football to represent your country. When the opportunity came along it was a ‘no-brainer’ to accept the invitation.

“I’m one of very few who speak the Welsh language and having the chance to play full-time football with Connah’s Quay and represent my country is great.”

Cefn Druids’ central defender Nathan Peate echoed the thoughts of Phillips, expressing his delight at being given the chance to represent his country.

“I’m delighted to be called up,” said Peate. “There’s a lot of good centre-halves in the Welsh Premier League and only a small handful could have been chosen, so to be included in the three or four that have been picked it’s a proud moment for me.

“Representing my country is something I’ve never done before, it’s by far the biggest part of my career and I’m excited for Tuesday night.”

Peate was something of a surprise omission from last year’s squad, but with Connell Rawlinson, Mike Pearson and Kai Edwards absent 12 months on, the 27-year-old is rightly included.

He said: “Last year, I think was my best season, helping Cefn Druids qualify for Europe and winning two awards at the end of season.

“Being hard on myself, I’ve done OK this year but I’ve not been as consistent.”

Wales have been working hard in the build-up to tonight’s clash with double training sessions on Sunday and Monday with some team bonding thrown in for good measure.

Peate can’t wait to lock horns with England C, saying: “Training has been fast flowing, the tempo is quick and there is a lot of ability in the squad.

“We’ve prepared well on and off the pitch. We’re not used to playing with each other so it is vital that we gel as a team. Obviously, there will be rivalry there, as it is England. But it’s another football match, and one that we all very much want to win.”