SAINTS defender Jan Bednarek qualified for Euro 2024 at the expense of David Brooks’ Wales on Tuesday evening.

Wojciech Szczęsny saved the decisive penalty from Dan James to secure his country’s passage to this summer’s tournament.

The game went to penalties after neither side were able to find a breakthrough in 120 minutes of football.

Brooks’ was introduced minutes before extra-time but was hooked seven minutes into the second half.

The 26 year old had dropped to the bench as Ipswich Town loanee Kieffer Moore came in for Wales' only change.

Ahead of the game Cymru boss Rob Page explained his decision to drop the Saints loanee, saying: “To ask him to go again at the level we had the other night is a big ask.”

Bednarek kept his place in defence, despite the criticism directed at him, as Michał Probierz named an unchanged starting lineup.

The defender struggled to pin down Brennan Johnson in a first half which saw Ben Davies’ header ruled out after he escaped Bednarek on the box.

Bednarek continued to be at the centre of things defensively; he had to recover quickly to stop Neco Williams’ long-range effort sailing into an empty net.

Daily Echo:

Several loud renditions of ‘Brooks, Brooks will tear you apart again’ blared from the home fans as they attempted to summon him onto the field just past the hour mark.

Instead, Page turned to the pace of Leeds United’s James in a bid to get the opening goal.

A brilliant last-ditch tackle on James transpired to be Bednarek’s final action as he was replaced by Bartosz Salamon with 10 to go.

The Wales fans eventually got their wish with six regular minutes left as Brooks replaced Connor Roberts, but he could not prevent the game from heading to extra time.

He didn’t last long as he was replaced by Ipswich’s Nathan Broadhead in the second half of extra time.

Wales were reduced to 10 men when Cherries defender Chris Mepham saw red just before penalties.

James was the only man to miss from on the spot, his low effort saved by Juventus goalkeeper Szczęsny.

Poland will now progress to Group D at this summer's tournament in Germany, alongside France, Austria and the Netherlands.

The competition could mark Bednarek's fourth time representing his country at an international tournament having appeared at Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.