Nations League: Iceland v Wales
Venue: Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik Date: Friday, 11 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds & live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app
Joe Rodon says it has been an “absolute pleasure” to play under Craig Bellamy as Wales eye further progress in the Nations League against Iceland and Montenegro.
Rodon played every minute in Bellamy’s first camp as Wales boss – with the Red Dragons claiming four of the six points on offer from their matches against Turkey and Montenegro.
And, as Wales prepare to face Iceland in Reykjavik on Friday before hosting Montenegro at Cardiff City Stadium three days later, centre-back Rodon says the squad have thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of the Bellamy era.
“For me it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with him and his team,” said the 26-year-old Leeds United player.
“The level and detail of everything is top class and to learn here with him is a pleasure. You could see after the games that all the boys enjoyed it.
“Of course we want to build momentum and keep learning as a group. Team spirit and togetherness is always high and we’re just really excited for the future games.”
Wales will be without Rodon’s Leeds team-mates Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu for the upcoming double header – the latter being ruled out until 2025 due to a knee injury.
Such has been his influence since making his senior bow in 2017, Ampadu became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Wales as the team – managed then by Rob Page – defeated Finland 4-1 in a Euro 2024 play-off semi-final in March.
“We know how important they [Ampadu and James] are,” added Rodon.
“Ethan is a key player, not just for country but for club as well.
“It’s weird because over the last year and a half I’ve been with Ethan every step of the way.
“It’s a lot quieter not having him here, but I’m sure the strong person he is that he will recover quite quickly.”
Ampadu’s absence in central midfield paved the way for Joe Allen to make a surprise return to the Wales camp at the age of 34 following his international retirement in February 2023.
Boyhood Swansea City fan Rodon – who made 54 senior appearances for the Swans prior to joining Tottenham in 2020 – could not hide his delight with the return of Swansea academy product Allen to the Wales setup.
“I was buzzing. Surprised as well,” the defender said of seeing Allen return to international duty.
“But everyone knows how key Joe has been for Wales over the last however many years.
“So to have a character and experienced player like that come back into the group is only going to lift the level and benefit us all.
“I think every player that plays for Wales dreams and loves putting on the Welsh shirt.
“Of course, the unfortunate thing with Ethan getting injured, having Joe back has kind of brought back that depth and that strength in the squad.”
Despite the absences of Leeds duo Ampadu and James, Rodon will have a familiar club face in camp as Karl Darlow once again looks to catch the eye of Bellamy, having impressed on his international debut in a 2-1 win over Montenegro in September.
England-born Darlow, 33, turned down the chance to play for Wales in 2013 and 2018 but accepted the call of Bellamy to feature in the Nations League.
And prior to the goalkeeper’s international call, Rodon stated he held talks with Darlow over dinner in an attempt to persuade him to pull on the Wales jersey.
“When I joined Leeds I tried to get him to come to Wales,” added Rodon.
“He signed for Leeds just before me and we were staying in the same hotel.
“We went for dinner one night and I said, ‘I’m sure you can play for Wales’. To have him here is a pleasure.
“He’s fitted in very quickly and I know his qualities working with him every day.”
