Ex-County stopper Karl Darlow is latest to say no to a Wales call-up

7:00am Friday 8th February 2013 in Newport County Photograph of the Author Exclusive By Michael Pearlman

NO TO WALES: Karl Darlow NO TO WALES: Karl Darlow

KARL DARLOW, the goalkeeper who helped Newport County to Conference National survival last season, has turned down the chance to join the Wales ranks, the Argus can exclusively reveal.

The 22-year-old Notting-ham Forest stopper is enjoying another stellar season after a successful loan in League One with Walsall.

Despite Forest enduring a season of off-field drama – they’ve already got through three managers – Lee Camp has been sold and Darlow is now establishing himself as first choice for the former European Champions.

And with Wayne Henne-ssey injured and Jason Brown without a club, that was enough for Wales who learned of Darlow’s eligibility last season.

The ex-County man qualifies for Wales despite being English because his grandfather Ken Leek is a former Wales international.

“We have been made aware of Karl’s eligibility and we invited him to be part of things for the friendly this week,” an FAW spokesman confirmed to the Argus.

“Karl was incredibly polite and grateful for the interest but doesn’t feel this is the right time to make any decisions on his international future.

“Karl commented that there is quite a lot going on at his club at the moment and he just wants to concentrate on that element of his career.

“But the door isn’t closed from our side or his and he’s definitely a player the management will continue to keep an eye on and watch as he progresses his career.”

Comments(8)

jetspotter says...
11:17am Fri 8 Feb 13

At only 22 I suspect he's looking for a bigger and some might say better International possibilities !!

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Tony Soprano says...
3:14pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Great keeper, good luck to him, if he gets into the England squad at least he'll have a chance to play in either the Euro's or the World Cup, let's be honest it's highly unlikely that he'll get that opportunity with Wales.

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NakedDancer says...
5:02pm Fri 8 Feb 13

I know keepers develop later and play longer than outfield players but 22 isn't particularly young and he's never interested England at any level including under 21. Realistically there's no chance he'll ever make the England team with young keepers already regulars for England and lots of competition.

I would think playing for Wales would be great experience for him and put in in the shop window to hopefully get him a regular place in a championship team.

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jetspotter says...
7:04pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Fair point N.D. but he probably reckons he can give himself three or four years as keeper's do develop much later and I'm sure Wales might well come a'knocking again when he's a few years older. He's covering all eventualities and who can blame him ?

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MazYork says...
10:05pm Fri 8 Feb 13

I saw his Grandad score twice in the last couple of minutes for Wales to win 3-2 in 1964! Dennis Law was Scotland captain that day but didn't score! I was 9 at that time.

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MazYork says...
10:07pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Forget to mention that I was actually at the game with my Dad and not watched on TV!

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MazYork says...
10:24pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Must agree with earlier comments - still a young lad, but could establish himself early, a bit like Joe Hart has done with England - can he really see himself replacing him!

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NakedDancer says...
11:28pm Fri 8 Feb 13

jetspotter wrote:
Fair point N.D. but he probably reckons he can give himself three or four years as keeper's do develop much later and I'm sure Wales might well come a'knocking again when he's a few years older. He's covering all eventualities and who can blame him ?
Well, he was a decent keeper in the Conference but he's getting a game for Forest because they are in disarray and only have 1 keeper. Will he be picked once Forest sort their finances?There's not many places for keepers and reserve keepers rarely get a game or earn decent money. In 3 or 4 years he may be out of footy completely.

I think he's made the classic mistake of believing the local press and missed an opportunity whilst his stock is high and with Hennessey's injury to put himself out there with Wales for the scouts to see.

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