Jess Fishlock has been recalled by Wales for her crass World Cup qualifying double-header, with manager Gemma Grainger claiming the US-based veteran will play for her country beyond the tournament.
Midfielder Fishlock turns 36 ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and was disregarded for Wales’ last game in June.
That goalless friendly against New Zealand was Wales’ final preparation ahead of qualifiers against Greece and Slovenia, which will decide whether Grainger’s side make the World Cup play-offs in October.
“It was the best management for Jess not to travel back for that game in June,” Grainger said.
“We felt it was best for her to peak in September and October when we knew that would be key time.
“I got a message from her last week and she can’t wait to get back.
“We look forward to having her back as she is an established player at the clubs and countries she has played in and an incredible role model for every player on the team.
“Young players look up to her to see what it takes to be a pro with a winning mentality.”
Fishlock, who plays for Seattle-based OL Reign in the American NWSL and was named the league’s most valuable player in 2021, is the most-capped footballer in Wales with 134 appearances.
Wales need four points from their last two games to be sure of keeping Fishlock’s ambition to play in a major tournament for the first time alive.
But Grainger insists that whatever happens in the next two months, this World Cup will not spell the end of her international career.
She said: “I had a chat with Jess when I got the job (in March 2021). I signed a four-year contract and made a deal with her to say, “Let’s stay the four years.”
“It will be a conversation that Jess and I will revisit to make sure what is right for her.
“But all I know is that she’s in the absolute best physical condition of her life.
“When I see the impact she has on her team over there, I don’t think her age is taken into account and hopefully we can keep her on that team for as long as possible.”
Grainger has named a 26-man squad for the trip to Greece on September 2 and the final with Slovenia in Cardiff four days later.
Midfielder Angharad James will reach 100 caps by playing in both games after joining Tottenham from Orlando Pride in the NWSL in the summer.
“We definitely feel the excitement leading up to these games,” Grainger said.
“We’ve felt it throughout this journey and I feel like we’re on the right track to where we want it to be.”
Squad: L O’Sullivan (Cardiff), O Clark (Bristol City), S Middleton-Patel (Man Utd), R Roberts (Liverpool), J Green (Leicester), H Ladd (Man Utd), G Evans, R Rowe , L Woodham (all Reading), S Ingle (Chelsea), A Filbey (C Palace), A James (Tottenham), G Walters (Sheff Utd), C Estcourt (unbound), J Fishlock (OL Reign), C Jones ( Leicester, on loan from Man Utd), F Morgan (Bristol City), M Wynne (Southampton), E Hughes (C Palace), K Green (Brighton), H Ward (Watford), N Harding ( Aston Villa), C Holland (Liverpool), M Francis-Jones (Sheff Utd, double contract Man City), C Williams (Blackburn, double contract Man Utd), M Rogers (Watford).
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