Lewis Koumas dared to score a hat-trick of debut goals in Wales senior bow against nation ranked 203rd in the world
LEWIS KOUMAS has been dared to score a hat-trick of debut goals.
The Liverpool striker, 18, is set to win his first Wales cap in tonight’s friendly against Gibraltar in the Algarve.
RexTeenage forward Koumas was on the bench for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea[/caption]
APKoumas celebrates scoring on his Reds debut in the FA Cup win over Southampton at Anfield[/caption]
Koumas, son of ex-Dragons midfielder Jason, netted on his Reds senior bow in February’s FA Cup fifth round 3-0 win over Southampton at Anfield.
Then the wonderkid fired home on his Under-21s debut against Lithuania in Newport a month later.
Now Koumas, called up to the Welsh senior squad for the first time, has been challenged by boss Robert Page to seal a personal goal scoring treble against Gibraltar, ranked 203rd in the world.
The Football Association of Wales last night released a video of Koumas chatting to Page and Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
Page said to Koumas: “We want a hat-trick of debut goals please.”
Wales great Rush, 62, who scored 28 times for his country, quipped: “I’ve not come all this way and he’s not going to score.”
Page and Rush both laughed before the Dragons boss added: “No pressure now.”
After Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024, Page will turn to the next generation with Koumas, Leeds midfielder Charlie Crew, 17, and Brentford right-back Fin Stevens, 21, all in line to make their debuts.
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Teen star Crew was the Dragons’ captain at the Under-17 Euro finals in Hungary last summer.
Crew was on Daniel Farke’s bench three times in the Championship last season.
Highly-rated midfielder Crew said: “It’s a massive achievement and a really proud moment for me and my family.
“The U17s Euros was a great experience and will help me in good stead for this. I’d love to make my debut.”
Bolton’s Josh Sheehan, 29, will captain Wales’ new-look side.
The five-cap midfielder posted on X: “Something you dream about. What an honour.”
