The 20-year-old from Rhyl was squeezed out of the first-team frame at Eastlands last term as the club's expensive re-fit gathered pace and spent most of the time watching from the bench.

That lack of activity has resulted in him being selected for Wales under-21s' UEFA championship squad next month against Hungary at Wrexham, and not for the seniors' friendly against Montenegro in Podgorica on the same night.

Evans, who has nine full caps, has now moved to Sheffield United, having seen his first-team opportunities at City become even more remote with the addition of Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor to Mark Hughes' squad.

And while Evans was kicking his heels at City, he has seen Reading's young striker Simon Church overtake him in John Toshack's senior plans.

Brian Flynn, coach of the under-21s, said: "We don't look upon this as Ched being sent back to the under-21s, frankly it is all one big squad these days.

"But he did not get enough games last season at Manchester City, he only completed one 90 minutes in a match all season.

"Any player will lose their cutting edge under those circumstances, and now he has the chance of regular matches with Sheffield United and with the under-21s. That will give him the chance to win back his place in the senior squad."

Toshack will probably be without defender Gareth Bale and midfielder Simon Davies through injury when he names his own party for the Montenegro match next month.

With the likelihood of Craig Bellamy's return from injury, Church's upgrade to the seniors as well as Robert Earnshaw and Sam Vokes also providing striking options, Evans would have been consigned to another night of frustration on the bench rather than having a full match at Wrexham.

Flynn has also recalled Bristol City defender Christian Riberio, 19, who has been out for a year with a cruciate knee injury.

He said: "Riberio is a very unlucky lad, he suffered a serious injury on his debut for Bristol City, but he has worked really hard to get back to fitness.

"His manager Gary Johnson tells me the lad has shown a great attitude and he deserves another chance with the under-21s. He can play at right-back and centre-half so he gives us good options."

Flynn has named three uncapped players, Swansea's 18 year-olds Ashley Richard and Casey Thomas along with Falkirk defender James Bloom.

Bloom, 17, left Cardiff in the summer for a fresh challenge with the Scottish side. Said Flynn: "These things happen in football, players have to leave clubs to get a chance elsewhere.

"James has always done really well for whatever age-group he has played for with Wales. I am a great admirer of the lad and I am convinced he will win full caps for his country in time."

Toshack announces his own squad on August 7, and is expected to recall West Ham's Danny Gabbidon for the first time in 18 months.

The defender has suffered serious stomach and groin injuries and has figured in West Ham's pre-season build-up. Also expected to be recalled is Gabbidon's club-mate James Collins who missed the end of last season with knee trouble.