Joel Cotterill was on fine form for Wales Under-21s as he netted twice in their European Championship qualifying campaign against Iceland.

Having started the season brightly for Swindon and getting off the mark with a thunderous effort in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy against Exeter City, Cotterill headed off to international duty on a high.

After missing Town’s 1-1 draw at Barrow at the weekend to join up with his Welsh teammates, the 19-year-old made the telling contribution in Reykjavik in their second qualifying match.

Playing in an attacking trio with Bromley and Cheltenham Town loanees Josh Thomas and Joel Colwill, Cotterill opened the scoring two minutes into the second half as he latched onto a parry from the goalkeeper to turn into the waiting net.

He then doubled their advantage after 72 minutes as he beat the defender all ends up down the side of the box and then coolly finished beyond the goalkeeper.

 

 

After being subbed in the last minute, Iceland did pull a goal back but Wales held on to win 2-1 and make it two from two in qualifying.

These were Cotterill’s second and third goals at under-21 level after previously scoring the third in a 3-2 win over Lithuania in December last year.

Speaking ahead of joining up with the squad, Cotterill said: “It is always an honour representing your country, it doesn’t matter what age it is, it could be under-12s, under-14s, or seniors.

“I am looking forward to the camp and hopefully getting some game time and then preparing myself to build on the Newport [County] game when I am back.

“It is a huge difference playing in the seniors compared to under-21s, even at international level, although they are still very strong boys playing at under-21s because they are from all around the country.

“But playing here is very beneficial for me, knowing what it is like and how to adapt my game for this level.”

Mark Kennedy was equally excited for Cotterill to get the chance to represent his country once more.

He said: “Huge congratulations to him, he deserves it and I am really pleased for him but huge commiserations to me and the team because we will miss him.

“He is an outstanding young talent and whilst I am the head coach of Swindon and the priority is Swindon, I am glad he won’t be with us because it means he gets to represent his country.”