Safia Middleton-Patel, Mia Ross, Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones – who is still only 22 – were the four players drafted into the side in Llanelli this weekend, with Olivia Clark, Gemma Evans, Angharad James and Ffion Morgan making way.
While goalkeeper Middleton-Patel and Ross – who was deployed as one of three centre-backs – were part of a defensive unit who did not have that much work to do, Jones impressed in a central midfield role.
But it was Griffiths, the Manchester United youngster who is currently on loan at Sunderland, who took most of the plaudits.
“She’s got it all,” Wilkinson said after Montenegro were hammered 6-1 in Llanelli.
“And she’s far from the finished product, which is very exciting for all Welsh people I’d imagine.”
Griffiths, sporting the number 10 shirt which was worn so often by Fishlock, scored Wales’ third goal, which was handed to her on a plate following an error by Montenegro keeper Ajsa Kala.
But there was nothing gift-wrapped about Griffiths’ second of the afternoon, which was Wales’ only goal during a second half in which Montenegro sat deep and defended with much more conviction than they had in the first period.
Fed by Jones, Griffiths had the composure to round the onrushing Kala before stroking the ball home with her left foot.
