Harry Wilson Should Be Given the Chance to Make History

Wales are currently dwelling in the cellar of Group A in European World Cup qualifying, with hopes of reaching Brazil next summer long dashed. While the chance to move ahead of Macedonia into fifth on the table is surely their goal, there's little else to play for.

So why not give youngster Harry Wilson the chance to make a bit of history?

From Alan Wilson of the Mirror:

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At a mere 16 years and 203 days Wilson has got the chance to replace Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in the record books as he was a relatively pensionable 16 years and 315 days old when he won his first cap.

And it would not be the first time that Wales have taken the chance to blood a young players as Manchester United's player/coach Ryan Giggs was just 17 years and 328 days, legendary Juventus player John Charles at a youthful 18 years and 71 days as well as Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer Ian Rush at just 18 years and 213 days when they made their senior bows.

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With Bale bolting to Spain this summer and leaving the Premier League behind, you can bet there are a few Wales' supporters that would love to see Wilson take the record. 

What do Wales have to lose by giving this kid a run? He's already impressed for the Under-17 Wales squad and Liverpool youth team—let him earn a bit of prime-time exposure in a World Cup qualifier. 

Plus, look at the names he would be joining by making such a youthful appearance for his country—if joining the ranks of Bale, Giggs, Charles and Rush doesn't inspire the kid and reminds him of the expectations he now carries, nothing will.

Sure, it could go to his head, or it could motivate him to prove he's worth the hype. 

And hey, the kid is quality. Check out this beauty of a strike. 

Here's another cracker of a finish.

With Ashley Williams, Adam Matthews, Ben Davies, Gareth Bale, Danny Gabbidon, Sam Ricketts, Jack Collison, Joe Allen, Jonathan Williams and Joe Ledley already out for this match—and Aaron Ramsey and Burnley striker Sam Vokes missing Tuesday's training—Wales may not have a choice but to turn to Wilson in the next two games, even if he simply comes on as a late-game substitute. 

It's pretty remarkable how many injuries Wales are dealing with, especially ahead of a winnable game against Macedonia. If nothing else, Wilson should be subbed in against Belgium if that game gets out of hand, right? 

Obviously, if the game against Macedonia is close and Chris Coleman doesn't completely trust the youngster, he shouldn't be subbed there. Getting out of last place in the group is, if nothing else, a moral victory for the team to build on.

But against Belgium, let the kid have the record as the youngest Wales player to ever earn a cap. C'mon, who doesn't want to witness a bit of history?