Joe Lacey: How a goal against Wrexham led Australia-born midfielder back with Wales

From scoring against Wrexham to representing Wales in Wrexham – Joe Lacey has come “full circle” in 12 months.

Lacey, 19, scored the winner for his club Sydney FC in a friendly against Wrexham in July last year.

The midfielder said at the time that scoring his first professional goal in the game at the Allianz Stadium “felt like a video game.”

“Yeah, that was a good moment,” Lacey told BBC Sport Wales after playing for Wales Under-19s at the Racecourse in the Uefa Men’s Under-19 Championship.

“I think that helped me get selected for Wales, to be honest.

“Coming here is kind of a full-circle moment – scoring against Wrexham and then having the Euros at the Racecourse.

“It’s cool to think about.”

Although born in New South Wales and having represented Australia at Under-20 level, Lacey’s international ambitions are firmly with Wales.

“My mum’s from Pontypridd, she grew up there and lived there until she was about 22. My dad met her at Swansea University,” he added.

“My roots run deep in Wales, so I’m a proud Welshman.

“Playing for Wales now, that is the goal.

“That’s a dream of mine, representing my family in Wales is a big thing.”