Wes Burns was a standout player for Ipswich Town in their 11th placed finish in League One this season.

The 27-year-old was a consistent performer under Paul Cook, John McGreal and Kieran McKenna, adapting very well to a right wing back role with the latter.

As just rewards for his excellent debut season at Portman Road, Burns has earned his first call-up to the Wales national team since 2016.

Burns is yet to pick-up a cap for his country, despite being in squads previously, but is likely to this time around as he will be in Rob Page's considerations ahead of five games, four in the Nations League and the World Cup play-off encounter against Scotland or Ukraine in June.

Burns took to Twitter to express his emotions this morning.

He wrote: "Buzzing to be called into the squad."

With Burns covering a range of bases with his versatility it will be interesting to see how Page uses him in the crunch moments.

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Gareth Bale, Brennan Johnson, Aaron Ramsey and Sorba Thomas can only help Burns keep improving, ahead of a very important new season for the Tractor Boys, with supporters expecting an automatic promotion push.

The Verdict

Burns comes into the squad after Nathan Broadhead's withdrawal, and it will be interesting to see what position he is used in by Page.

Over the course of five games, it would be a surprise to see him return to Suffolk cap-less this time.

Wing back could be Burns' most likely route into the starting XI, with Johnson, Harry Wilson, Rubin Colwill, Daniel James and others providing fierce competition for places at the top of the pitch.

The pressure cooker of the World Cup play-off will be a great experience for Burns even if he does not feature, due to the enormity of the occasion and the atmosphere that will be created by some role models in the dressing room.