CEREDIGION footballer Casi Gregson is preparing for the biggest week of her young career after a remarkable rise that has culminated in a first senior Cymru call-up for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup Play-Offs against Albania.
Gregson is not the only local player in the squad, with Trawsfynydd's Mared Griffiths also included. The Manchester United midfielder has already established herself in the senior international set-up and has enjoyed a superb rise in recent years and recently grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick in a 10-1 WSL Players Cup win over Sheffield United.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind year since leaving Gwalia United and joining WSL 2 side Newcastle United Women in February. After making 37 appearances and scoring eight goals during her time with Gwalia, the young striker took the bold step of moving to the north-east of England to continue her development with the Magpies.
Gregson's football journey began with Lampeter Town AFC before progressing through the FAW Girls Academy South pathway. Having already represented Cymru at Under-17 and Under-19 level, her performances have continued to attract attention at club and international level.
Her progress at Newcastle has been rapid. Initially joining the club's Professional Game Academy set-up, Gregson impressed for the Under-21 side and earned opportunities to train with the senior squad.
Her development was recognised last week when she signed her first professional contract with the club, a landmark moment in her career.
Days earlier, she marked another significant milestone by making her senior debut for Newcastle United Women in their Subway Players Cup clash with Aston Villa Women.
Now comes an even greater challenge.
Rhian Wilkinson has included Gregson in a 25-player Wales squad for the World Cup play-off ties against Albania, handing the forward her first senior international call-up alongside fellow newcomer Heidi Hills of Tottenham Hotspur.
Wales travel to Shkoder for the first leg on Friday before hosting the return match at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Tuesday, October 13.
If Cymru defeat Albania over the two legs, they will face either Romania or Norway in the final play-off round for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Two late changes have been made to squad as defender Rhiannon Roberts and goalkeeper Poppy Soper have withdrawn through injury.
Chloe Williams and Lucy Farrell-Shrouder have been called up to replace them.
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