Big Matches Build Momentum for Hughes Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Laura Hughes' sole appearance for Wales so far came as a substitute in last December's 3-2 friendly victory over Switzerland.
Her recent schedule has been packed with significant fixtures: first the Australian A League Grand Final, followed by the AFC Women's Champions League semi-final, and now two crucial Women's World Cup qualifiers representing Wales.
The midfielder, who previously played for Australia but has committed to Wales, featured as a second-half substitute when Melbourne City secured Australia's domestic double by defeating Wellington Phoenix just over two weeks ago.
Four days later, Hughes started in the AFC Women's Champions League semi-final, where Melbourne City's impressive campaign concluded with a loss to Tokyo Verdy Beleza in South Korea.
With Wales preparing for their upcoming matches against Montenegro on Friday and the Czech Republic in Cardiff next Tuesday, Hughes expresses readiness for the challenges ahead.
Fans can watch the matches live on BBC Two Wales and from 16:45 BST, with radio commentary available on via BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. Text commentary and highlights will be accessible through the website and app.
"I think especially with the [Melbourne City] games being high-pressure knockout games, it's prepared me really well for what's coming with Wales," Hughes said.
"To play at a World Cup, I've dreamed about since I was a kid so it would be really cool."
Hughes described Melbourne City's season as "very historic" for the club, highlighting the significance of their achievements.
Wales' World Cup Qualification Hopes
Securing a place in the World Cup remains a goal some distance away, with Wales aiming to top Group B1 to secure a more advantageous position in the upcoming play-offs.
Currently, Wales trails the Czech Republic on goal difference; the Czechs will host Albania on Friday.
The group winner will be decided in Cardiff, making a strong performance against Montenegro essential, especially as goal difference may determine the final standings.
"I think the game against Montenegro will be challenging and will set us up really well for the next game," Hughes noted.
"We've obviously been preparing for Montenegro in training and different meetings. We're looking at a really tough, aggressive side that we don't know what, sometimes, they're going to throw at us, so we've got to be prepared for everything.
"We're just chasing the results and hopefully they come."
Wales Squad and Coaching Updates
Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson has expressed determination to achieve success with the team, while players such as Cain have recently left Leicester following their relegation from the WSL. Clark, Holland, and Hughes have all been named in the current Wales squad.
Hughes Embraces Welsh Identity
Hughes is with the Wales squad for only the second time after choosing to represent Wales, the country of her mother, last year.
The 24-year-old, who earned a cap for Australia in a friendly earlier in 2024, made her debut for Wales in December's victory over Switzerland.
She missed the initial two camps of the current qualifying campaign due to a knee injury but is now aiming for her first competitive appearance for Wales.
In preparation for the trip to Podgorica, Hughes spent time in Porthcawl, where several family members reside.
"I played my last game of the season with Melbourne City in South Korea and so I thought instead of going all the way back, I'd just come straight here," she explained.
"As soon as I came there was a heatwave, so I think I brought it with me.
"I was just hanging out with my family down Coney Beach. It was nice."
Born and raised in Canberra, Hughes said in her Australian accent that committing to Wales was an easy decision after being given the opportunity by head coach Rhian Wilkinson.
"I think my mum shed a tear when I made my debut," Hughes added.
"I spent a lot of summers here growing up. My family would come over and then my Welsh family would visit us in Australia.
"I feel very connected to Porthcawl and Wales. I feel very Welsh."
