29-year-old Sheehan, who has six caps to his name will be one of the more senior faces in the starting eleven, with the likes of Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas and Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew likely to debut against the side ranked 203 in the World.
With Page likely to pick an entirely different line-up for the friendly clash against Euro 2024 qualifiers Slovakia on Sunday, many familiar faces will be rested providing opportunity for fringe and younger players to make an impression. Swans duo Ben Cabango and Liam Cullen will both be hopeful of inclusion against the minnows, whilst former loanee Finn Stevens is expected to be involved.
Cullen (left), pictured with Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James.
Speaking in the build-up to the game Page said:
“I think he [Sheehan] is top draw. He is looked at as one of the senior players and the lads love his in the group.
“It has been hard for him because before last year he had Joe Allen to compete with, then Ethan Ampadu and now we have found JJ [Jordan James] – he has wanted to play more minutes.
“He hasn’t shown disappointment in his training, body language or his energy around the group and I think he thoroughly deserves this opportunity to captain his country.”
Speaking on the announcement Sheehan said:
“He [Rob Page] told me after pulling me aside after breakfast and said ‘you are playing tomorrow’ and he just dropped in there ‘you are going to be leading the boys out’.
“I couldn’t really believe it to be honest – it’s not something I thought was going to happen. I was happy to be playing the game and try to show what I am about. To lead the boys out is something you dream about.”
Sheehan, who won his first cap in 2020, has played more than 300 senior games in a career which started at Swansea City and included a three-year spell at Newport County.
“It’s a younger group in this camp. I haven’t played so many at internationals but I have played a lot of league games, so maybe he has taken that into consideration,” Sheehan added.
“Hopefully I can show that on the pitch. For me playing for Wales was always the goal and to be captain was never part of my plans. To do it is something you will never forget.”
[Lead image: Welsh Football Association on X]
