Wales target Matt Grimes in bid to change eligibility rules

Former Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes is being lined up for international selection by Wales – but only if the Football Association of Wales (FAW) can agree a change to eligibility rules.

The FAW is lobbying football associations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to agree to a rule change which would allow players over the age of 18, who have been registered with a club based in one of the home nations for at least five years, to represent that country.

FAW sources say its proposal would align the home nations to the current Fifa eligibility rules.

In 2009, the home nations’ associations agreed that, other than through birthplace, parents or grandparents, players can only represent Wales, England, Scotland or Northern Ireland if they have had five years of continuous education up to the age of 18 in that country.

But the plans put forward by the FAW would allow anyone registered with a club in the home nations for at least five years to become eligible to play international football for that country.