Youngster Mabli makes Wales under-16s debut at the age of just 12!

Holyhead girl Mabli Blackshaw made her debut for Wales Under-16s today at the age of just 12.

The Holy Island phenomenon came on in the 75th minute for Cymru in a narrow 4-3 defeat in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.

Caernarfon Town Academy player Mabli helped Cymru get ahead at 3-2 before the hosts grabbed two very late goals.

It was a disappointing ending for the Red Dragons, but they have a chance to make amends in a second friendly on Thursday.

Trawsfynydd wonder Cadi Griffiths, sister of senior squad player Mared, scored twice for Cymru with Suki Yau also on target.

Ciara Milton gave the Irish a half-time lead, but Cadi Griffiths levelled six minutes after the restart.

Madison McGuane restored the home lead on 68, but Yau made it two-apiece after 70.

Griffiths then put away a penalty to hand the visitors a 3-2 lead in the 76th minute, but Caelan Bacon equalised on 89 and Emma Mooney bagged the winner with 95 on the clock.

Sub Mabli made the headlines last year when she reached the 100 goals mark for the season representing Holyhead Hotspur under-11 boys!

She left Hotspur to join the Caernarfon Academy under-12s in February and they went on to win the FAW Academy League North.

They then went down to Cardiff and won the National FAW title against Briton Ferry Llansawel under-12s 3-2, with Mabli scoring 2.

She has remained with Caernarfon Town Academy for the 2024/25 season and is now a Wales international.

Mabli might have been selected for Wales Under-15s in a competition in Croatia, but as it is a UEFA Tournament, her age meant she could not take part.

However, with the Republic games being friendlies, Mabli is allowed to participate against girls up to four years older.