Ethan Ampadu can mature into a player like Rio Ferdinand, says Wales boss Chris Coleman after handing Chelsea kid his debut against France

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Ethan Ampadu drew comparisons with Rio Ferdinand after making his international debut - and Chris Coleman insists the Chelsea teenager will remain committed to Wales.

Ampadu was sent on just after the hour mark of Wales' 2-0 defeat to France in Paris on Friday night and his composure on the ball belied his tender years.

The 17-year-old has already made his Chelsea debut this season and is equally adept at playing in midfield or in central defence - just like Ferdinand did when he started out at West Ham before making big-money moves to Leeds and Manchester United.

Ethan Ampadu, 17, made his international debut for Wales against France on Friday night

The dreadlocked Ampadu replaced Joe Ledley at the Stade de France for his senior debut

'Ethan's capable of playing both,' Wales manager Coleman said after utilising Ampadu in a midfield role at the Stade de France.

'His frame, athleticism and understanding of the game, he's a great communicator for someone so young.

'So at the moment it (best position) is a tough one to call. He could end up playing holding midfielder or as a centre-back.

'He's got a long way to go before you can liken him to someone like Rio Ferdinand, but I remember him coming on at West Ham in midfield.

'But he gravitated into a centre-back, probably the best the Premier League has seen in the last 20 years.

'You never know what's going to happen in the future, but Ethan is definitely capable of playing both positions.

'The modern day centre-back starts play and has to be confident in possession and Ethan can do that.'

Ampadu tries to challenge France forward Alexandre Lacazette during the 2-0 loss

Wales boss Chris Coleman believes Ampadu could mature into a Rio Ferdinand-style player

On a night when there was more grim news about the fitness of Gareth Bale - the Real Madrid forward is set for a further month on the sidelines with a leg injury - Wales had an exciting glimpse of their future.

Sheffield United striker David Brooks made his debut alongside Ampadu, while Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn also came off the bench to win his fifth cap.

All three impressed and could start Tuesday's friendly against Panama at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Exeter-born Ampadu was capped by Wales at Under-17 and Under-19 level before being promoted into the senior squad.

His first full Wales cap came just 57 days past his 17th birthday, but the fact that it was a friendly means he is still eligible to play for England, Ghana and the Republic of Ireland.

David Brooks, the Sheffield United starlet, also made his debut on Friday night

Brooks is still eligible to play for England because his debut match was only a friendly

After the Paris defeat, Coleman addressed the issue with Brooks also still eligible to play for England.

'They're not legally bound to us,' Coleman said. 'We spoke some years ago to the younger players and their parents and explained the pathways.

'That's all we can say and there's nothing we can do if any player changes their mind.

'I've worked and spent time with the players we've got.

'In football you shouldn't be surprised by anything but I'd be amazed if they left us. The players are firmly committed to us.'