FORMER Newport County AFC goalkeeper Tom King’s hopes of making the Wales World Cup squad have been boosted by his inclusion in Rob Page’s squad to face Belgium and Poland next week.

With Sheffield United’s Adam Davies continuing to recover from a knee injury, King is the third-choice stopper for Wales – behind Wayne Hennessey and Danny Ward.

And King, who left the Exiles for League Two rivals Salford City after the 2021 play-off final defeat at Wembley, is one of three players – along with Newport-born Chris Gunter of AFC Wimbledon and Swindon Town’s Jonny Williams – from the fourth tier of English football in the squad for the Nations League clashes.

“It doesn’t matter what level you’re at; if you’re doing alright then you’ll be considered,” said Page.

“Kingy is a top-class lad, and he appreciates every minute that he’s in camp with us.

“He’s been a part of the environment for a long time now and he adds value every time he comes to the camp.

“He’s great around the place, which is important to our environment. It’s not just about whether you’re a great player, you’ve got to be a good player and good in the environment as well – that’s key for us.”

Former County loan star Mark Harris has also been selected for the matches in Brussels on Thursday, September 22, and at home to Poland three days later – the final matches before Wales begin their World Cup campaign against USA in Qatar on November 21.

And he’s joined by 17-year-old Fulham midfielder Luke Harris.

Having been capped at under-17 and under-19 level, Page feels Harris is ready to step up and hasn’t ruled out the chance of the teenager making his World Cup squad.

“He has been in the system now for a few years,” said the national boss. “He’s a talent and an exciting prospect.

“He’s doing really well at his club and he scores goals.

“When you have someone with that talent – albeit that he’s just turned 17 years old – then I am not bothered about his age.

“I have shown that in the past with Rabbi (Matondo) and Joe Rodon and DJ (Dan James) and others I have worked with at under-21 level and the younger age groups.

“If I think they are good enough, they will come in and be part of the environment.

For these two games, I think it’s a great opportunity for him to come in and get a taste of it, to experience it, and for us to have a look at him.”

Asked if the teenager could make the plane to Qatar, Page said: “I never say never. I have pretty much got the squad in mind, of course. But the door is never closed. If someone is doing really well and I think it’s going to benefit us, then he will be considered.

“He’s ready for it,” Page added. “I have met him and his family. He has got a great family support network around him, and he wouldn’t be where he is at club level if he wasn’t ready for it.

“I have spoken to coaches who have worked with him, but I’ve never coached him directly. Having been head of the intermediates when he has played at younger vague groups, I know all about him.

“I’ve spoken to the coaches and he’s absolutely ready for it.”