Toshack waits for call from Paul Parry

Jan 29 2008 South Wales Echo

WALES boss John Toshack has insisted that Cardiff City winger Paul Parry has a future with Wales, despite the forward ruling himself out of the forthcoming friendlies with Norway and Luxembourg.

Wales face Norway next month and then travel to Luxemburg in March as they build up to the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Parry, who cited personal reasons for missing the last two 2008 European Qualifiers against Republic of Ireland(2-2) and Germany (0-0).

”I would have liked Paul to have been available in the next two games and we have spoken about his situation,” said Toshack.

”He will call me when he is available and the same goes for Danny Collins (Sunderland).

It’s no good calling these players every time there is an international to see whether they are available, it is now up to them to tell me if they are available.”

West Ham United duo Danny Gabbidon and Welsh skipper Craig Bellamy are still recovering from injury and are both included in the squad for the Norway fixture.

Both played in reserve games for the Hammers last week and will play again this week, before joining up with the Welsh Camp.

”We are in close contact with West Ham and we will look at the both players when they arrive in camp and go from there.

”They have done everything leading up to these reserve games and it’s just a case of getting games under their belts.” said Toshack.

Being Welsh manager is a struggle at the best of times, but Toshack’s plans have been thrown into the air yet again due to the long-term injury to West Ham United centre-back James Collins, who is likely to be out of action until Christmas after ligament damage to the knee.

”I’m devastated for the lad, I really am.” said Toshack, “It’s a massive blow for the player and the national team, but you tend to get use to this kind of thing.”

During our last campaign we had set backs, we had four different goalkeepers, four different captains and four of senior players retired.

”Now Collins, who is likely to be out for up to nine months, we ‘re all bitterly disappointed for the lad, he’s 24 and your looking at a future Welsh captain. He’s not had the best 18 months and this is another major set-back to him.”

Toshack was full of prise for the rising star Chris Gunter, who moved to Premiership club Tottenham Hotspur from Cardiff City earlier this month.

”Gunter had two great games for us against Ireland and Germany and I’m sure that convinced Spurs to sign him likewise when Gareth Bale played against Brazil at White Hart Lane, they also saw enough to make a move on Bale, the youngsters will certainly have an opportunity with Wales.” Added Toshack.

Wales Squad: Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lewis Price (Derby County), Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic), Steve Evans (Wrexham), Danny Gabiddon (West Ham United), Chris Gunter (Tottenham Hotspur), Craig Morgan (Peterborough United), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County), Sam Ricketts (Hull City) Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Arron Davies (Nottingham Forrest), Simon Davies (Fulham), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wandererers), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), Carl Robinson (Toronto FC), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad), Craig Bellamy (West Ham United), David Cotterill (Wigan Athletic), Robert Earnshaw (Oldham Athleic), Robert Earnshaw (Derby County) Jermaine Easter (Wycombe Wanderers/loan Plymouth Argyle), Freddy Eastwood (Wolverhampton).

Wales v Norway, at the Racecourse, Wrexham (7.45pm), Adults £10, Juniors £5, Kop (Standing) £8.

mark.bloom@mediawales.co.uk