TALENTED footballer Dylan Levitt has been praised for his "drive" by Manchester United coaches following his major international debut at Euro 2020.

Levitt, 20, from Bodelwyddan, made a late appearance for Wales during their defeat to Italy in Rome on June 20, after securing a hard-earned spot in the reds' 26-man squad.

Coaches at the Premier League side had agreed to send the central midfielder on loan to Istra 1961 in the Croatian First League to get vital first-team football.

It was a brave move abroad by the youngster as many English players choose from the options available in their home country.

Levitt lived in a holiday resort while gaining key experience during the 2020/21 campaign and United coaches believe his determination has paid off.

Speaking to manutd.com, Les Parry, United academy player performance manager, said: “We were unable to find him a suitable club in England and, after the transfer window closed, we knew if he was just playing Under-23s football, he wouldn’t get in the Euros squad.

“So we scoured Europe for windows that were still open going into February and Croatia was one of them. I already knew the owners at Istra, so I contacted them and they were willing to take him.

“He had some great experiences out there, lived in a holiday resort so it can’t be bad!

“He ended up in the Wales squad and that was the main aim for us; to get him in the squad. That’s worked so it was a fantastic move for him.”

Parry said he is still hoping Levitt will get some more involvement in the Wales side now that they are into the knock-out stages.

“It would be fantastic if he did get some minutes on the pitch and I think he’s got good chances,” he said.

“He played a full 90 minutes against France [in a warm-up friendly] so the manager must rate him. So, hopefully, you never know but he might even get a start.”

Levitt joined Manchester United aged eight and rose through the club's youth teams, making his debut in a Europa League match in November 2019. He also spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic before his move to Istra.

He has represented Wales at various youth levels and made his senior debut during the Nations League game against Finland in September last year.

Nick Cox, Manchester United's head of academy, added on the club’s website: “Everyone at the Academy is really proud of each of our graduates playing in the European Championship. To play for your country at a major tournament is an amazing achievement.

“Dylan showed great character in pursuing his loan abroad and had a range of excellent experiences in Croatia.

“Having been with the Academy since the age of eight it would have been easy to return in January and play a key part for our Under-23s side, however he was determined to play first-team football.

“That drive is fantastic to see in a young player and he is clearly reaping the rewards for that this summer.”