Montenegro v Wales: Preview

03 September 2010 09:39
Wales defender Craig Morgan is a slight doubt for their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro.

Manager John Toshack revealed today the 25-year-old, who joined Preston from Peterborough over the summer, suffered a foot injury in training earlier this week.

Toshack is hopeful the problem is not serious and that Morgan, who has started the last five internationals, will be in contention to play at Podgorica's Gradski Stadium.

"He is the only doubt at the moment," said Toshack. "I think he'll be OK. He went for an X-ray and it didn't show anything important.

"Hopefully he will be able to train. He was able to do some running - no contact with the ball at all - but hopefully he will come through OK."

Wales have not featured in the finals of a major tournament since 1958 but begin their latest attempt to qualify for one with optimism.

Toshack has blooded a number of youngsters during his five years in charge and there is a feeling they could come of age during a campaign that also involves games against England, Switzerland and Bulgaria.

With expectation therefore growing, Toshack admits there are nerves in the camp. He said: "I think they are a little bit tense.

"At the same time they want to do well, they realise the importance of getting off to a good start.

"When you look at the teams in the group, it is a very open group.

"England would be the favourites but there is not a great deal to choose between the rest of us.

"I sense they are very keen to do well, if a little bit apprehensive.

"That is not necessarily a bad thing and we are just waiting for it to kick off now."

Source: DSG