Montenegro v Wales News 3rd September 2010

Wales squad to face Montenegro
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown, Wayne Hennessey, Boaz Myhill
Defenders: Gareth Bale, James Collins, Neal Eardley, Chris Gunter, Craig Morgan, Sam Ricketts, Ashley Williams
Midfielders: David Cotterill, Andy Dorman, David Edwards, Andy King, Joe Ledley, David Vaughan
Forwards: Craig Bellamy, Simon Church, Robert Earnshaw, Ched Evans, Steve Morison

Wales’ only fitness doubt for the match is Craig Morgan, who has a foot injury. With Danny Gabbidon already out with a calf injury, Wales are a bit short in central defence. If Craig is also unable to play, James Collins and Ashley Williams are the only recognised central defenders although Sam Ricketts played well there for Bolton Wanderers last season and Chris Gunter has also played at centre back in the past.

BBC Sport says Andy King is out with a groin injury but it’s possible they mean Andrew Crofts. He definitely does have a groin injury but he wasn’t mentioned in the BBC Sport report.

Also on the sidelines are Darcy Blake (foot) and Brian Stock (back). Danny, Darcy, Andrew and Brian were named in John Toshack’s original squad. In addition, players including Lewin Nyatanga, Jack Collison, Aaron Ramsey and Sam Vokes were not considered due to injury.

Craig Bellamy is expected to be Wales’ captain so presumably the injury he suffered in Cardiff City’s last game is now gone. I actually haven’t heard anything about it since reading the news that Craig had a ‘heavily bandaged’ knee after the match. Craig believes his recent move to Cardiff City will help his performance for Wales.

There was some concern that in-form inspiration Gareth Bale might drop out after he missed Wales’ last two matches but he’s fine as far as I know. Left back Gareth is expected to play as one of three attackers, the others being Craig B and Steve Morison.

Tosh isn’t surprised Gareth Bale is doing so well at Tottenham Hotspur. He’s been playing for Wales for five years. Tosh also reveals that a ‘big money’ bid was made for Gareth during the transfer window.

Tosh has a word of criticism for Gareth’s club manager Harry Redknapp however – he says Redknapp was wrong to doubt Gareth’s ability and also wrong to claim all the credit for himself. Gareth was a great player long before Redknapp got involved.

And it's not just Gareth's managers and fans who can see his greatness. Montenegro are worried about facing Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy but they know quite a bit about Gareth already – the manager’s son, Niko Kranjcar, plays for Tottenham.
John Toshack’s biggest decision, according to Sky Sports, is whether Boaz Myhill or Wayne Hennessey will start in goal but BBC Sport thnks it’ll be Wayne who’s chosen.

Tosh says Wales have to beat Montenegro tonight but he is concerned Wales' caused won't be helped by the
choice of referee.

Tosh says Wales will not be fighting dirty against Montenegro and he has no idea where those rumours came from.

Tosh even has Robbie Savage’s support.

Interview with Chris Gunter about Montenegro v Wales

Joe Ledley is expecting the match against Montenegro to be a real battle. But Craig Bellamy thinks they can not only beat Montenegro but qualify for Euro 2012.