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Wales target Matt Grimes has represented England Under-21s 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. Exeter-born Grimes left Swansea for Coventry City at the end of last month, but before that had spent 10 years with the Swans. Under proposals put forward by the FAW, the 29-year-old would qualify for Wales and would certainly feature in the plans of Wales head coach Craig Bellamy for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Had the rule been in place already, players such as former Swansea Premier League stars Leon Britton and Angel Rangel would have been eligible for Wales. Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ralls would also be eligible under the FAW proposals. One potential headache for the FAW is that Wales-qualified youngsters who move to clubs in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland could then become eligible to play international football elsewhere once they complete five years' residency. FA Cup fourth round: Watch Fifth-round draw before Doncaster Rovers v Crystal Palace Swift, Trump and a dynasty in ruins - how Super Bowl 59 unfolded A rivalry of our times - why Man City & Real are fighting for their lives Learn about the legends of King Arthur Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Europe by Dr Mary Bateman and comedian Mike Wozniak The Boarders are back but they must fight to survive With a new headmistress at the helm, do they have what it takes? Guitar legend Johnny Marr picks his Tracks of My Years The former member of The Smiths decides on the tracks that define his life and career Relive 30 years of The Mrs Merton Show Caroline Aherne stars as Mrs Merton, a charming, cheeky interviewer to the stars A rivalry of our times - why Man City & Real are fighting for their lives Swift, Trump and a dynasty in ruins - how Super Bowl 59 unfolded 'Ireland live rent free in Scotland's heads - again' Philadelphia Eagles destroy Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl. Video Philadelphia Eagles destroy Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl Boom or bust? Golf in flux but is it really thriving? 'Complete team' Ireland in driving seat for hat-trick 'Don't mess with the FA Cup - Plymouth teach Slot a lesson' Hoy reception & England's dramatic finish in Six Nations best moments. Video Hoy reception & England's dramatic finish in Six Nations best moments Dominant Ireland beat disappointing Scotland at Murrayfield Video Dominant Ireland beat disappointing Scotland at Murrayfield Plymouth stun Liverpool in FA Cup giant-killing. Video Plymouth stun Liverpool in FA Cup giant-killing Rangers out of Scottish Cup after 97th-minute penalty save. Video Rangers out of Scottish Cup after 97th-minute penalty save 'Quite a welcome home' - Hoy receives emotional Murrayfield ovation. Video'Quite a welcome home' - Hoy receives emotional Murrayfield ovation Fin Smith's composure gives England vital new dimension - Dawson 'Strike of a lifetime' - an own goal that belongs in FA Cup folklore 'I'm happy it was like that' - so was FA Cup better without VAR? Watch jubilant final moments as England snatch victory away from France. Video Watch jubilant final moments as England snatch victory away from France Willock's controversial goal against Birmingham. Video Willock's controversial goal against Birmingham Watch: Incredible goal puts Orient ahead against Man City. Video Watch: Incredible goal puts Orient ahead against Man City Spine-tingling commentary of England's dramatic late win. Video Spine-tingling commentary of England's dramatic late win The Treble to the periphery - what's going on with Jack Grealish? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.