Barney makes Wales squad - But new competition arrives

28-year-old Thatcher played four times for England Under-21's whilst a youngster a Wimbledon. New FIFA rules now allow players to change countries, providing they are eligable of course, regardless if they have Under 21 honours.

Most recent high profile example of this comes in Freddie Kanoute's decision to represent Mail at the African Nations, despite Under 21 honours for his native France.

Thatcher qualifies for the principality through his Grandmother. Also keen on joining the Welsh squad was Fulham's Geordie midfielder Lee Clarke, who also represented England at Under 21 level. However his connection comes via a great-grandfather, FIFA rules state that is not allowed though. Another 'English' player bidding for a cap is Portsmouth striker Lee Bradbury, it's unlikely Mark Hughes will be knocking down doors for the frontman with the luxury of strikers already at his disposal.

Hughes did welcome Thatcher's change of allegiance, a move which is likely to see Barnard lose his starting place.

"Ben is committed to this new change in his career," the former overhead kick king said.

"His agent contacted me to make me aware of his qualification, and I am delighted to have him on board, we need as many Premiership players as possible.

"I have no problems with what people call a tradesman's entry to our squad.

"I have played with the likes of John Robinson and Eric Young - neither of whom were Welsh - but you could not have found more committed players."

Former Mariners Danny Coyne and John Oster are again in the squad.

Full squad to face Scotland at the Millenium Stadium on February 18:
Coyne (Leicester), Jones (Wolves), Ward (Nottm For), Crossley (Fulham); Melville (Fulham), Pembridge (Fulham), Delaney, (Aston Villa), Edwards (Aston Villa), Gabbidon (Cardiff), Page (Sheff Utd), Thatcher (Leicester), Williams (Reading), Barnard (Grimsby); Davies (Tottenham), Giggs (Man Utd), Johnson (West Brom), Koumas (West Brom), Oster (Sunderland), Robinson (Portsmouth), Savage (Birmingham), Speed (Newcastle); Bellamy (Newcastle), Blake (Wolves), Hartson (Celtic), Taylor (Nottm For), Earnshaw (Cardiff).