Matthews relishing Wales chance

International friendly - Wales v Scotland
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Saturday, 14 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and online, live text commentary online and score updates on BBC Radio 5 live.

Cardiff City defender Adam Matthews says he is relishing the chance of winning his first Wales cap in Saturday's friendly against Scotland.

The 17-year-old right-back, who only broke into the Bluebirds' first team this season, has yet to feature for Wales' Under-21 side.

"It was a bit of a surprise when I was called up," Matthews told BBC Wales.

"Obviously I'm excited to be part of the team and it will be good experience for me."

Matthews made his Cardiff debut in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool in August and has gone on to make 13 league appearances, scoring once - from half-way line in the 4-0 win at Watford.

The Swansea-born youngster was given his chance following injuries in the Bluebirds defence and has earned the plaudits for his mature, solid displays.

"At the start of the season I didn't expect to play as much as I did but I've been helped by injuries to others," said Matthews.

"I think I've taken my chance and played quite well in the games I have played.

"Then on Monday morning I went in to the physio and [Cardiff manager] Dave Jones called me into his office and said I had been called up.

"I don't think it has quite sunk in yet and hopefully I can keep it going. I was just happy to be part of the squad.

"If I'm lucky enough to play I will be very happy and it will be extra special to play at Cardiff and all my friends and family will be there.

"It's what every footballer wants is to represent his country and do the best he can."

Matthews is one of just a handful of players eligible for the Wales U21 squad, but called up first into the senior squad. The most recent is Ryan Green in 1998.

His chances of playing some part against Scotland have been boosted by the withdrawals of defenders James Collins and Chris Gunter.

But he could still be in line for a call-up for the U21s who face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo next Wednesday in a Uefa Under 21 Championship qualifier.

"I haven't played for the U21s yet so I was very surprised when I got called up," he added.

"I'm not sure if I'm going away with the U21s yet - I will find out after but hopefully I will go.

"It's a qualifier and the U21s are doing well and hopefully I can go and help the team qualify."

Wales squad to face Scotland:
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown (Blackburn Rovers), David Cornell (Swansea City), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Defenders: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham United), Craig Morgan (Peterborough United), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Williams (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: David Cotterill (Sheffield United), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andy King (Leicester City), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Andy Dorman (St Mirren)
Strikers: Rob Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest) Simon Church (Reading), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Jermaine Easter (MK Dons), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

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