Wales Under-21s: Red-carded Josh Thomas shows 'empathy and compassion'

Wales Under-21s boss Matty Jones says striker Josh Thomas reached out to Iceland goalkeeper Adam Ingi Benediktsson following a challenge that saw him sent off.

Thomas was shown a straight red card for the challenge on Benediktsson as he chased a loose ball, with the keeper forced to leave the action.

Wales held on to win 1-0 and maintain their unbeaten start in Euro 2025 qualifying.

"Josh has shown great empathy and compassion towards the goalkeeper, with regards to reaching out to him on social media," Jones said.

"It was a check to make sure he was OK, there was concern over whether the goalkeeper had concussion."

Jones' side are top of Group I and face top seeds Denmark at Rodney Parade on Monday.

But Thomas, on loan at Port Vale from Swansea City, will miss the game because of suspension.

"Josh tried pulling out of the tackle, he's since gone for a scan, and the jerk out of the tackle has forced him to tear a muscle," Jones added.

"That's unfortunate for him and he will probably miss three to four weeks playing time.

"It was nice that they had that dialogue, they both ended the conversation by saying they look forward to meeting again next September and hopefully the lad is OK and Josh will be with us in that campaign to pose the same sort of threat he did on Thursday.

"He also had a wonderful conversion with him post-game to make sure he was OK and show his concern towards his opponent.

"He spoke unbelievably well in the changing room in terms of reflection to our lads and what it meant to him, as well as the players showing what it meant to them and repaying that back to Josh because the 60 minutes he was on the pitch he was an absolute threat for us.

"And let's remind ourselves, there was a moment against Denmark really similarly where their keeper's momentum has taken Josh out and it gave us the pivotal penalty kick which led us to get a point out there.

"These moments are fine margins, what I wouldn't do is ask Josh to change his game. What I've done is reassure him that these moments happen.

"It was really unfortunate with regards to the speed, intensity momentum and angle at which they came towards each other - but I know there was no malice or intention to hurt anyone in that moment."