CHRIS Coleman has predicted a big future for Newport’s Lee Evans after naming the 22-year-old in his latest Wales squad.

Evans is one of seven uncapped players selected for a training camp at the Vale do Lobo resort in Portugal ahead of the qualifier in Serbia on June 11.

The former Newport County AFC midfielder, who left Rodney Parade for Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2013, won 13 caps for Wales under-21s.

And a maturing Evans has the potential to be a regular for the senior team, according to Coleman.

“He’s matured well, Lee. Obviously he was with our under-21s and he’s done well with Wolves,” said the national manager.

“He’s had some game-time there and, with the absence of Andy King, one door closes and another door opens.

“He’s played first team football and he’s playing with and against international footballers in the Championship.

“He’ll be fine and I’m looking forward to him coming on board.

“He’s one of those players that in the coming years he’s capable of stepping up, that’s for sure,” added Coleman.

“I’ve seen him once or twice this year and he looks like he’s matured.

“Wolves is a big club and he’ll be used to playing at Molineux, where there’s a big expectation.

“That’s good for him that he’s been able to cope with that recently.

“I think he’s matured a lot and that’s got him a call-up.”

Coleman will trim the 26-man squad to 23 after the training camp but he says the experience will be vital for the youngsters involved.

As well as Evans, 16-year-old Exeter City defender Ethan Ampadu, Everton's Gethin Jones, Tom Lockyer of Bristol Rovers, Barnsley forward Marley Watkins, MK Dons defender Joe Walsh and Liverpool duo Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson are also included.

“Our lads won’t go on forever,” said Coleman. “They’ve been there for so long and in the next couple of years we will lose some players unfortunately.

“That’s football and we’ve got to plan for the future.

“Maybe in the next two or three years there will be changing faces so for these young ones it’s a good experience for them to come in and see what it’s all about.

“And I think they’ve earned it as well. We’ve studied them for a long time.

“They’ve been through our system and they’ve earned the right to come in and have a little taste of what it’s all about.

“International football is tough and it’s not for everybody," he added.

“You have to keep coming and you have to persevere. And if you really want to play international football and represent your country, that’s what you do eventually.

“These young boys coming in have by no means made it as an international footballer, even if they get on the pitch.

“These young boys are going to sample it.

“They’ve done great to get into this position but they’ve still got it all to do to maintain it and get better. They’re capable of it and now it’s down to them."

Coleman says the youthful contingent will provide the whole squad with a boost.

“I think it will lift the tempo in training because they’re excited," he said.

“And it’s exciting times for Wales. These youngsters will hopefully be the team in the next three, four or five years."

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale and Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor are suspended for the game in Belgrade and have not been included in Coleman's squad.

Newport’s James Collins and Leicester City midfielder King miss out with injury problems.

Newport County are set to receive a bonus payment from Wolves when Evans does win his first senior cap.

Wales squad: Hennessey, Ward, Fon Williams; A. Williams, Gunter, Chester, Davies, Richards, Walsh, Lockyer, Jones, John, Ampadu; Ramsey, Ledley, Huws, Edwards, Allen, Watkins, Wilson, Evans; Robson-Kanu, Vokes, Bradshaw, Woodburn, Lawrence