Howells starts but Wales U21 lose late on

HATTERS star Jake Howells made his debut for Wales U21s during their 2-1 friendly defeat to Hungary U21s at Haverdfordwest on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.

Zsolt Haraszti’s last-gasp goal for the visitors denied Wales a morale-boosting win ahead of their European Championship qualifier with Montenegro in Podgorica on September 6.

Howells was handed a starting place only to see midfielder Benjamin Balazs give Hungary an early lead.

Swansea City’s Lee Lucas levelled just before the half-time interval, but Haraszti scored a late winner against a very young Welsh side.

Wales U21: Chris Maxwell (Wrexham), Daniel Alfei (Swansea City, capt), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), David Stephens (Hibernian), Troy Brown (Rotherham United), Jake Taylor (Reading), Jake Howells (Luton Town), Richard Peniket (Fulham), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace).

Subs: Rhys Taylor (Chelsea), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Elliott Hewitt (Macclesfield Town), Reece Jones (AFC Wimbledon), Casey Thomas (Swansea City), Robert Ogleby (Heart of Midlothian).