Will Vaulks talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Newly-called-up Wales midfielder Will Vaulks insists he is keen to impress international boss Ryan Giggs, following his inclusion in his first national squad which is an opportunity that the 25-year-old admits he thought he would play out his career without.
The industrious former Falkirk, Tranmere Rovers and Workington man is relishing the prospect of joining up with the Wales national squad for the first time for games against Trinidad and Tobago and Slovakia, following a personal phone call from the former Manchester United winger to inform him of his inclusion on Monday.
Speaking to www.themillers.co.uk, Vaulks explained that after the disappointment of a red card in Saturday’s South Yorkshire derby against the Blades, news of his international inclusion had significantly brightened his week before continuing to express his determination to justify his selection in Giggs' side.
“It's been a strange week and it sums up football really. You have a massive low, probably the lowest I've felt after a game in a long time, if not ever. To then, two days later getting a call-up to your national team for the first time,” he said.
“I don't know what to say really. It's amazing and it's something I thought had gone for me, but I think hard work and continuing to try and play as well as I can eventually people notice.
“I got a phone call from the manager, Ryan Giggs, yesterday saying that he wanted to give me the heads up before he announced it that he was going to include me in the squad.
“Obviously that was a great phone call to take. It was announced this morning and my phone has blown up since. My mum is very proud, as is my dad I suppose!
“It's something I'm excited about and hopefully I can go there and show them what I can do.”
Vaulks will be in elite company when he joins up with his Welsh teammates for the first time, with the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey also included in the squad and despite his admission that he is venturing into the unknown, he joins his new colleagues for the first time typically keen to impress.
“There are some outstanding individuals in that squad that play right at the top level,” he added.
“I know it's going to be a challenge and I don't really know what to expect, but I'll go into it with a positive frame of mind and try and enjoy it and impress.
“For it to be a manager that has done so well in the game and played at the top level, makes it even more of an honour.
“I suppose for someone like him to think you're a half decent player and think you might add to his squad is extra kudos. It's a bit crazy picking up the phone to Ryan Giggs but now I've got to go and show him that I can play well.
“I don't know what to expect, but I'm excited. I've obviously not been involved before but it's going to be a challenge and one I'm looking forward to.”
Meanwhile, the Wirral-born midfielder continued to add that he will remain focused on club matters with Rotherham United until his inclusion, despite being forced to sit out of the midweek game at Loftus Road through suspension, adding that he hasn’t transformed any of his Millers colleagues into Wales supporters just yet.
“I've not had any ticket requests from the lads yet,” Vaulks jested.
“I've had enough from friends and family but a lot of the boys have text me and I'm sure they'll ask all about it when I get into training!
“It's been a bit of a crazy week and I'm still going to travel with the lads down to QPR. I look forward to cheering them on and hopefully seeing them do well, I'd hate to miss it. It's been a weird week but the international call-up has certainly made it a little brighter.”