RYAN Astley has been included in the Welsh squad for their forthcoming European Under 21 Championships qualifier against Belgium.

The 18 year old Llanfair Caereinion raised defender is an emerging star at FA Premier League side Everton.

Astley joined the Finch Farm Academy at the age of nine and was awarded a scholarship to play for Everton in November 2017.

International honours followed and was called up for the Welsh under 17s squad.

In 2019 the youngster stepped up to the Everton under 23s squad

Astley travelled with the first team for pre-season training in Kenya and Switzerland in the summer of 2019, featuring in the first two friendlies against Kariobangi Sharks and FC Sion.