Home » Football » EFL League One » Sheffield Wednesday F.C.

Why Will Grainger was able to play for Sheffield Wednesday with no need for permission after Wales call-up

Sheffield Wednesday got their Jersey Mike’s Trophy campaign off to a winning start.

By Alex Miller · The Star

Published: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Sheffield Wednesday defeated Salford City 2-1 in the opening round of the EFL Trophy group stage.
Will Grainger played 68 minutes despite being called up to the Wales under-19 national squad.
Grainger needed no special permission to feature because Wales' travel to Marbella was scheduled for Thursday.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Seventeen-year-old Will Grainger started and played 68 minutes in Sheffield Wednesday's 2-1 EFL Trophy victory at Salford City on Tuesday. The appearance came despite his call-up to the Wales under-19 squad for upcoming friendlies against the USA, Norway, and Northern Ireland in Marbella, Spain.

Grainger did not require special dispensation from the Welsh FA to play due to the timing of the trip, which is scheduled for Thursday ahead of a September 29 fixture. Wednesday secured the comeback win through goals from Davis Keillor-Dunn and Jamal Lowe after Ben Woodburn opened the scoring for Salford.

Read the full article on The Star