Welsh football news

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Wales football news - May 2001.

Bellamy blow

An achilles injury has forced Craig Bellamy to pull of the squad to face Poland on Saturday. The news does not come as a surprise, as he has been struggling with the injury for several weeks.

Craig was passed fit by the Welsh medical team but his club Coventry City insisted the player be pulled out.

"Bellamy was fit to play , for us to lose a player of Craig's quality is a massive blow, Coventry told us that if he was injured in the future, we were liable and we can't take that risk." - Mark Hughes.

Wednesday, May 30th 2001. the sun.

Achieve his ambition?

Ryan Giggs believes the next generation can help him achieve his ambition of reaching the finals of a major international tournament.

Giggs has empathised the quality that Wales must have if we are to reach our first major finals since the World Cup in Sweden in 1958.

"It's good that there's some new young blood coming into the squad. Jason Koumas has finally made it and Simon Davies has grabbed his chance and impressed everybody. We haven't got the size of squads that other countries have, so we need all the new quality players we can find." - Ryan Giggs.

Tuesday, May 29th 2001.
in the sun.

Crunch game.

Mark Hughes believes that the game on Saturday against Poland is must win to keep alive the slight hopes of qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

With a difficult game in the Ukraine four days later Wales will surely be looking for the usual minimum four points from the two double header matches.

"We have got to win this one, we felt we were quite comfortable away to Poland last year, we have the firepower to beat them at home, we have to go out and do it." - Mark Hughes.

Sunday, May 27th 2001.
in the sun.

Tough test.

The Welsh squad meets up this coming Sunday ahead of the crucial matches against Poland at home and away to the Ukraine four days later.

With no withdrawals so far reported Wales will face a test tough against the Group 5 leaders.

The Poles have named a 22-man squad for the game in Cardiff.

Wednesday, May 23rd 2001.
in the sun.

Saunders retirement.

Dean Saunders has announced his retirement from international football after winning 75 caps and scoring 22 goals in the process.

He has told manager Mark Hughes not to name him in the squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers. Saunders made his debut in a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in March 1986.

A firm favourite with supporters Dean was excellent in running off the ball to create space and chances for his fellow players.

"I have had a fantastic run but I feel with other players coming through I should make way." - Dean Saunders.

Friday, May 18th 2001.
in the sun.

Pitch problems.

Preparations for the Poland game are not going as smoothly as manager Mark Hughes would have liked.
When the squad get together they will not be able to train as normal at Ninian Park because the pitch is being re-laid.

"It's a major concern for me a the moment, but I'm looking at all the other possibilities to see which one will suit us the best." - Mark Hughes

Wednesday, May 9th 2001.
in the sun.