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.
|