Hughes hit by absences
Friday, May 16, 2003
Article summary
Wales manager Mark Hughes has named a 20-man squad for this month's game against the United States.
Article body
Missing links
Hughes had named a preliminary 29-man party for the match earlier this month but has been forced to revise his plans because of injuries and other absences.
Personal reasons
Manchester United FC's Ryan Giggs and Robbie Savage of Birmingham City FC are both excused for personal reasons, while Newcastle United FC striker Craig Bellamy must rest a knee injury.
Fixture clash
Clubmate and Wales captain Gary Speed could also miss out as he recovers from a hernia operation. Meanwhile, centre-forward John Hartson will be involved in Celtic FC's UEFA Cup final the day after the squad leaves for the US.
'Keep going'
In all, Hughes could be without as many as 17 of his original selection. Coach Eddie Niedzwiecki said: "Of course it is disappointing to have so many withdrawals. We understand why but we still go there with the mentality that we need to win to keep everything going."
Top dogs
Wales, who are unbeaten in ten matches, top their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying section with maximum points from their four games. They next play Group 9 rivals Serbia and Montenegro away from home on 20 August.
Wales squad
Jones, Ward, Speed, Melville, Williams, Day, Pembridge, Davies, Jones, Robinson, Johnson, Trollope, Oster, Koumas, Vaughan, Pipe, Taylor, Haworth, N Roberts, C Roberts.
