Ipswich Town: Wes Burns 'philosophical' about World Cup disappointment

The flying winger’s fine debut season for the Blues – which saw him finish as 13-goal top scorer and scoop a clutch of individual awards – led to him being handed his senior Wales debut at the age of 27. 

Three summer caps will have raised hope that he might be selected for this month’s World Cup in Qatar, but those hopes were quashed when manager Rob Page named his 26-man squad last week. 

Burns will now be involved in games against Exeter, Portsmouth (Papa John’s Trophy), Buxton (FA Cup) and Fleetwood, while Gareth Bale and co face USA, Iran and England in Wales' first World Cup since 1958. 

“Wes has been really philosophical about it from the start and our position has been the same,” said McKenna. 

“If he had have ended up going, of course we would have been pleased for him.  

Wes Burns was capped three times by Wales over the summer. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“But the fact that we have him for the games he would have missed is obviously a big boost for the team and gives us a better chance to pick up the points.  

“He’s dealt with the situation very maturely.” 

The Blues boss, whose side sit second in the League One standings, continued: “Credit to him for his form over the last 12 months that he managed to push into the Wales squad, from a League One team, and pick up his first caps. 

“A lot of the time the international set-ups do stick with players who have been there through the system, so it’s easier to break in when you’re 19, 20 rather than at 26, 27.

“His complete focus now is towards doing well again for Ipswich. If he does that then we know he’ll have lots of good things ahead in his career.” 

Speaking before the squad was announced last week, Burns said: "I would love to go. 

“If it comes, brilliant, but if I don’t then I know I have a big season here at Ipswich and an exciting job to do. It’s a win for me either way."