Simon Davies to win 50th cap

Mar 23 2008 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday

SIMON DAVIES will hit a half-century of Wales appearances on Wednesday – but admits he should have done it a year ago.

The stand-in Wales skipper will lead out his country in Luxembourg, wearing the red shirt for the 50th time since his debut against Ukraine seven years ago.

But the Fulham midfielder, 28, knows he would have already passed the landmark had it not been for the injuries that have interrupted his career.

“It’s crazy to think about getting to 50 caps,” said Davies. “But in all honesty I should have had mine a year ago. But I’ve probably missed about 15 games through injury.

“It’s the same with Craig Bellamy. He is on 49 appearances and he should have got the half century a long time before me.

“But I’ve always been determined to get as many caps for my country as I could and when I got to 35 and thought to myself I really wanted to get there. Getting myself fit made sure I did.”

Toshack gave softly-spoken Davies the nod to wear the armband in Bellamy’s absence and the Wales manager has been rewarded with the ex-Spurs and Everton star’s most consistent performances at international level for some time.

“He has given 100 per cent whenever he has been with us,” said Toshack. “His performances as captain have been very good for us and I’ve been very pleased with him.

“He has been great with the youngsters and it’s the same with Carl Robinson and Carl Fletcher. They are all super pros and their attitude is spot on.

“The two Carls are unsung heroes and as far as I’m concerned they can all stay with us for as long as they want.”