Barry link means Thatcher may soon represent Wales (From Barry And District News)

Barry link means Thatcher may soon represent Wales

BEN Thatcher, the Leicester City defender, might make his international bow for Wales later this month - thanks to his Barry grandmother.

Thatcher has been named in Mark Hughes' squad for this month's clash with Scotland at the Millennium Stadium but the Football Association of Wales is still waiting for clearance from Fifa to play him.

Thatcher qualifies for Wales under the new Fifa rule that allows players capped at under-21 level by one country to play full international games for another.

Swindon-born Thatcher is a former captain of the England Under-21 team but could end up playing against his native country in the World Cup Group Six qualifiers.

Thatcher can play at centre half as well as at left back.

He started his career at Millwall, before moving to Wimbledon for £1.9 million.

Spurs paid £5 million for his services in 2000 before he signed for Leicester City.

Thatcher's bid to play for Wales is strengthened by the fact that he has already obtained his grandparents' birth certificates proving they were born in Wales, a key qualification criterion.

he said: "My family are all behind me. I hope the finishing touches to the details are carried out, and then I can look forward to that Scotland game on February 18."

"I know I'll take some stick from some quarters of the game but I'm not in the habit of letting people down. I'm a 100-per-cent player. I don't know how to play any other way.

"All I know is that I will do my very best for Wales, given the opportunity. If I can add just that bit more to the squad then that will be great for all parties concerned."