It was announced prior to the 2-0 victory against Wycombe Wanderers that the Sheffield United loanee would be included in their forthcoming squad for three games during the international break.
The 21-year-old has played every game for the Hatters this season and has been rewarded for his good start to the campaign.
“I’m absolutely buzzing!" Rhys began. “It was a bit of a shock, as I’ve never been called up before, but obviously I’ve started the season well and been playing well, so I’m just looking forward to meeting up with the boys and taking it from there really.
“It definitely wasn’t expected, but I had a little feeling in the back of my mind that it could be a possibility. But listen, it is what it is, I’ve been called up now and I’m looking forward to getting involved.”
Wales face England at Wembley Stadium this evening, followed by two Nations League matches in the coming days.
“Even just looking ahead to the first game, England, even though it’s a friendly it’s at Wembley and even without the fans, it’s still a massive, massive game. I imagine if you were told you could possibly make your debut against England, any kid growing up or any person that knows football knows that is the top of the game.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved and then we have two massive competitive matches, one against Ireland and then one against Bulgaria, so if I’m involved in those as well then great, but I’m just taking it as it comes. I’m initially in the 27-man squad, so hopefully I can show the gaffer what I’m about and be involved in those games.”
It was a personal aim to earn a call-up to the squad at some point during this campaign, although Norrington-Davies admits it came sooner than expected for him.
“I remember sitting down with the gaffer when I came here and he asked me what my goals were, and one of them was by the end of the season, I wanted a Wales first-team call-up. It has come a little sooner than I thought it would have, but I’m not complaining about that. Hopefully I can cement myself in that squad and kick-on. Then who knows, I could possibly be involved in Euro 2021.”
Reflecting on the start to the season he has made for the Hatters, the left-back said: “I’ve started a few games but I know I have got more to come. I’m not there yet, that’s why I’m out on loan. I’m progressing in my career but I’m all about learning.
“I’m going to make mistakes here and there but I’m looking forward to kicking on and becoming the best player I can be and just absolutely tearing up the league, I’m in honest. If I don’t tear up the Championship this season, then I will be disappointed with myself.
“That’s just my personal mindset, I want to be the best player. It’s going to be difficult at times, but I know I’ve got the ability to do it. If I don’t I will be disappointed but I’ve got better levels, I’ve got to be performing week-in, week-out. You can’t step off the gas a little bit because you will be found out.
“I don’t want to be a mid-table side, I want to be pushing for the top and I think we’ve got all the capabilities to do well, so if we don’t produce on the pitch then I will be disappointed.”
We spoke exclusively to Rhys following his Wales call-up and you can read the full interview in the latest edition of 'Our Town', which you can still purchase in hard copy by clicking here.
