Former Sheffield United man David Brooks could be in England squad if he hadn't chosen Wales, admits Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs believes David Brooks might already be in the England squad had he not joined the Wales set up.
Wales's David Brooks (left) and Republic of Ireland's James McClean (right) battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League, League B, Group four match at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.Wales's David Brooks (left) and Republic of Ireland's James McClean (right) battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League, League B, Group four match at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.
Wales's David Brooks (left) and Republic of Ireland's James McClean (right) battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League, League B, Group four match at The Aviva Stadium, Dublin: Liam McBurney/PA Wire.

Warrington-born Brooks has proved a Premier League hit since joining Bournemouth from Sheffield United for £11.5million last summer, scoring three times during the Cherries' impressive season.

Brooks was named best player at the 2017 Toulon Tournament when England won the prestigious Under-20 competition in the south of France.

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But the 21-year-old forward, who qualified for Wales through his Llangollen-born mother, opted to switch international allegiance and has already won seven caps and become an established part of Giggs' squad.

"He is a talented player who is now scoring goals as well as performing well," Wales manager Giggs said.

"It could've been so different with Brooksy, and what a disaster that would have been for us.

"He might have made the England squad had he not come to Wales.

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"He is playing regularly and performing consistently at the highest level, and he just needs to carry on doing that.'

Brooks made his international debut exactly 12 months ago under previous Wales boss Chris Coleman.

But he has really flourished this term with Giggs determined to fast-track young players into his team.

"I watched Bournemouth play Cardiff in the first game of the season," Giggs said.

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"I sat next to David's chairman and said you've got a bargain, because he will just get better and better.

"He's an exciting player and he's at the right club to show what he is capable of.

"He can play in the number 10 role and also played in midfield at Sheffield United before that. He's an intelligent player who can play in different roles across the front three, and even in the deeper role."