Jayne Ludlow has named her Wales squad for their upcoming Euro 2017 qualifier against group leaders, Norway.

Currently third in their group, behind Norway and Austria with three games remaining (at home to Norway in June then at home to Israel and Austria in September), Ludlow knows her side will have to be on top of their game to make the play-offs. The Dragons will head into the crunch match against Norway with a win-or-bust mentality, a second place finish still possible with a loss but a tough last match against Austria will be waiting for them no matter what.

Wales will be buoyed by the return of Jess Fishlock, the Seattle Reign dynamo originally unexpected to be fit for the match when she fractured her tibia in late April. The midfielder has already returned to training with Seattle after a lengthy rehab period in Australia and she’s optimistic about being able to give her best for her country in June. Ludlow more than willing to wait until the last minute to assess Fishlock, the experienced midfielder a boost for any squad.

Jayne Ludlow has selected a healthy mix of FAWSL and Welsh Premier League players; the head-coach is pleased with the improvements she’s seen in her squad throughout qualifying. Reflecting on their loss to Norway in Aalesund earlier in the group, the former Arsenal player praised the "intensity" and "understanding" her team were displaying, always looking at the positives that could be built on, but rueing the harsh 4-0 scoreline.

Wales' all-time top goal scorer and leading goalscore in the group, Helen Ward, has once again been capped | Credit: @FAW
Wales' all-time top goal scorer and leading goalscore in the group, Helen Ward, has once again been called up. | Photo: @FAW

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Jo Price (Unattached), Claire Skinner (Cwmbran Celtic)

Defenders: Loren Dykes (Bristol City), Sophie Ingle (Liverpool), Gemma Evans (Cardiff City), Natasha Harding (Liverpool), Rhiannon Roberts (Doncaster Belles), Kylie Davies (Reading), Kylie Nolan (Cardiff City).

Midfielders: Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Rachel Rowe (Reading), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Angharad James (Notts County), Nadia Lawrence (Yeovil Town), Melissa Fletcher (Reading), Hayley Ladd (Bristol City).

Attackers: Helen Ward (Reading), Chloe Chivers (Cwmbran Celtic), Cori Williams (Cardiff City), Kayleigh Green (Yeovil Town).

Wales will face Norway at the Newport Stadium on June 7, with kick-off at 18:00BST.