Hughes missing Newcastle duo

Wales coach Mark Hughes has named a 22-man squad for the friendly against Croatia in Varazdin on 21 August.

Duo missing
Hughes has left out Newcastle United FC pair Gary Speed and Craig Bellamy, who are both injured, but has named Ryan Giggs even though Manchester United FC play an FA Premiership game against Chelsea two days after the game in Croatia.

Robinson retirement
Meanwhile Charlton Athletic FC winger John Robinson has announced his retirement from international football despite Hughes's best efforts to make him change his mind. Robinson, 32 later this month, made his debut in 1995 against Albania and has played 30 games for Wales since, scoring three goals.

'Door still open'
Hughes said: "I fully understand John's decision, but I did try to persuade him to change his mind. He has suffered some terrible family problems with the death of his father and wanted to step down now before we start our European qualifying campaign rather than have to do it later. The door is still open for him if he ever wants to return."

Wales squad
P Jones, Crossley, Ward, Barnard, Delaney, Jenkins, Melville, Page, Gabbidon, Johnson, C Robinson, Koumas, Pembridge, Davies, Evans, Savage, Blake, Hartson, Giggs, Earnshaw, Roberts, Taylor.