'Inspirational' Wales captain Jess Fishlock named US league's MVP ahead of Greece and France clashes
Wales will have an MVP in their ranks as they head into two crucial World Cup qualifying matches this month.
Captain Jess Fishlock has been awarded Most Valuable Player in the USA's National Women's Soccer League after her five goals and four assists in 21 starts for OL Reign helped the Tacoma-based side reach this season's semi-finals.
It is the first time the 34-year-old has received the NWSL award since joining the league in 2013.
Wales manager Gemma Grainger said she is proud that Fishlock has obtained the award, hailing her an inspiration to future generations.
Grainger said: "Jess has worked entirely hard for most of her career, and to be named 'MVP' of that league, which is probably the best league and has some of the best players.
"She should be proud. I wanted her to take a moment to take it all in as I know she was disappointed about the semi-final."
Fishlock, the first player to reach 100 caps for Wales, has been named in Wales' upcoming 2023 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches against Greece and France.
"We are very lucky to have her represent this country, she is so hard-working and it is more impressive that she has been traveling home for international fixtures," Grainger continued.
“In lockdown, she worked incredibly hard to recover from an ACL injury and she continues her hard work behind the scenes.
“I’m not sure I can do it any justice with words. She continues to inspire us."
Grainger has named a 26-player squad for their final two World Cup qualifiers against Greece and France.
Natasha Harding, Helen Ward, Sophie Ingle and Angharad James are all available, but Rachel Rowe and Hannah Cain are ruled out due to injuries.
Wales are currently unbeaten in their 2023 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign, with three wins and one draw in Group I.
A 4-0 victory against Estonia last month sees them sit in second place behind group leaders France.
Wales host Greece at Parc Y Scarlets on Friday, November 26, before facing France four days later in Guingamp in Brittany.