Key men return to Wales squad

Wales manager John Toshack finally has the selection problems he has been waiting for ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers.

Bellamy: Back in Wales' squad
Bellamy: Back in Wales' squad

After what seems like months of problems with injuries and availability Toshack has a full-strength squad ahead of the Group Four match with Liechtenstein in Cardiff on October 11 and then away to Germany in Moenchengladbach four days later.

The return of key defenders James Collins and Lewin Nyatanga, plus captain Craig Bellamy, after long-term injuries, is a major boost for Toshack.

Bellamy has played just 37 minutes of first team football at West Ham this season in two short substitute appearances against Blackburn - when he scored - and on Saturday at Fulham.

His recovery from a groin operation was further handicapped by a hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season friendly at Ipswich.

He was initially called-up for the two previous Wales qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia but after lengthy negotiations with then West Ham boss Alan Curbishley, Toshack reluctantly abandoned any hope of the striker being fit.

But Bellamy has held discussions with the Football Association of Wales in the past few days and will report for duty next week.

Collins has not played any senior football this season but has also intimated his desire to make his Wales comeback.

Derby's Lewin Nyatanga, who has sat on the bench for the Championship club's last three matches after an ankle problem, can also expect to go straight back into the Wales side.

After having numerous senior players ruled out over the last year Toshack said recently: "This has been the worst injury situation I have ever had to contend with in my management career."

West Ham's Danny Gabbidon has not played for his country for 12 months, while Bellamy, Collins, Nyatanga, Freddy Eastwood, Robert Earnshaw, Gareth Bale, Joe Ledley and Jason Koumas have all had injury problems to contend with.

Toshack has been forced to use rookies Craig Morgan and Ashley Williams in the heart of his defence but now has four central defenders to chose from.

In midfield he suddenly finds himself able to name 10 players, with Toronto's Carl Robinson in line for his 50th cap, and he may even be able to move Gareth Bale into a midfield role from full-back.

Toshack has also been forced to use teenagers Sam Vokes and Ched Evans up front, such has been his lack of experienced alternatives.

But he is able to name six strikers for these next two qualifiers, although it is debatable whether Bellamy can be expected to play two full matches.

Midfielder David Vaughan is also recalled, after ending his unhappy spell with Real Sociedad with a move to Blackpool.

Nottingham Forest's Arron Davies and Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams are both out through injury while Wrexham defender Steve Evans has been left out now Collins and Nyatanga are available.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, who was in the last full squad, is this time involved in Wales Under-21s' UEFA Championship play-off with England.

Paul Parry, who retired from international football midway through the last international week, but then claimed it was only because he did not want to play for Toshack is also left out.

Wales squad to play World Cup group 4 qualifying matches against Liechtenstein (Cardiff, October 11) and Germany (Moenchengladbach, October 15): Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Price (Derby), Bale (Spurs), Collins (West Ham), Gunter (Spurs), Nyatanga (Derby), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), Crofts (Gillingham), S Davies (Fulham), D Edwards (Wolves), Fletcher (C.Palace), Tudur Jones (Swansea), Koumas (Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Robinson (Toronto), Stock (Doncaster), Bellamy (West Ham), Cotterill (Sheff Utd), Earnshaw (N.Forest), Eastwood (Coventry), C Evans (Man City), Vokes (Wolves), Vaughan (Blackpool).

Your Comments

_irons4life_ (West Ham United fan)

"i sry but thats absolutly supid he isnt fit enough to start for us so he shudnt even be on the bench for wales! we pay his wages so we say how and when he plays for country. i dont normally say that but we lose keys players to their national team and its about time it stops!"

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