ABERYSTWYTH Town’s Academy received high praise from the Welsh FA selectors after three of its graduates were selected to represent the Wales Under-18s Academy squad.

Jack Rimmer, who has been involved in the Seasiders’ first team squad this season, had the honour of captaining his country in a double-header against the Republic of Ireland Academy side last week.

Aberystwyth Under 19s teammate Harri Horwood also played a role in both matches, whilst Ollie Farebrother was on the subs’ bench.

Despite the John Coughlan Memorial Cup returning to the Republic of Ireland, Wales U18s Academy manager Mark Pike was full of praise for the players after their 1-0 defeat at Newtown last Thursday.

A 4-0 reverse in the opening game at Bala 48 hours earlier had left Rimmer’s side with it all to do, but the reaction of the whole squad to produce such a committed display was commended by the manager.

Pike, who had named 17 year-old Rimmer as captain for both matches, said the coaching at clubs like Aberystwyth put them in good stead for international experience.

The fact that several scouts from various professional clubs across the country were in attendance over the two games was also testament to the growing respect for players coming through the academies.

Last year striker Tom Bradshaw, who plays for Barnsley, became the first player to have come through the Aberystwyth Academy to be capped at senior level for Wales.

Ex-Aber Academy players like Alex Samuel, who is currently on loan at Newport County from Swansea City, and Gwion Edwards, at Peterborough United, have also gone on to represent Wales at Under 19s and 21s level respectively.

Pike, who was assisted by former Wales defender Steve Evans - also a coach at TNS - said he believes Wales Under-18s Academy side can develop further with experience.

“We’re probably just a couple of training camps away from being in a position where we are really getting what we want from this, and doing the things we want to do as a team and as a squad,” Pike said.

“Thursday’s performance was what we wanted right from the start, and if we had another couple of games, or another couple of extra camps, then we would have been ready going into the first game.

“We have been one camp short this year from previous years, but I think this week has really shown how this team has gelled together, they looked like one big family.”

Over the two games over 1,000 fans braved adverse weather to come out and support the side at both Maes Tegid and Latham Park.

“To lose 4-0 and then put a performance in like they did, made me really proud of them,” Pike said.

“The players have been absolutely first class all week, you have to give them credit for the way they have worked, and the attitude shown.

“They looked a little bit tired, but to come in and apply themselves to play the Welsh way, like we asked them to do, they’ve adapted superbly. I can’t speak highly enough of them. They’re a great bunch.”

Pike added: “We changed our strategy a little bit, just to fine-tune things and be more direct and in the faces of the Republic, as they were exceptional in their hard press.

“It worked, and I don’t think that we deserved to lose the game. They capitalised on a mistake, and we couldn’t get back into the game, despite creating enough chances.”

The team had spent the week together to prepare, analyse and focus on the two games, with the focus on developing professionalism.