Tuesday Mar 18 2008 10:11
Derby County striker Robert Earnshaw has paid the price for a disappointing season with the Rams, being dropped by Wales for the first time in six years.
The £3.5million recruit from Norwich City has scored just once in 20 appearances for Derby, having started only five Premier League games this term.
That lack of goals has led to Earnshaw being overlooked by John Toshack for Wales' upcoming friendly against Luxembourg, with David Cotterill, Jermaine Easter, Freddy Eastwood and Daniel Nardiello handed call-ups in his absence.
Toshack told reporters: "I would like to look at other players this time. There are several young strikers around who merit a chance now.
"Earnshaw has had a difficult time this season for his club and for Wales. I have spoken with Earnie on a number of occasions in the past 12 months and it has not been a particularly good time for him."
The 26-year-old frontman has scored 13 goals in 39 appearances for his country, having made his debut in a friendly against Germany in May 2002.
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