Collins ruled out for Wales
Wales will be without defender James Collins for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia and Cyprus because of a groin injury.
The 23-year-old West Ham player sustained his injury against Palermo in the UEFA Cup last Thursday and, according to the Football Association of Wales, is set to be out of action for a fortnight.
The news further reduces Wales boss John Toshack’s options in defence for the matches against Slovakia, on Saturday, and Cyprus, on October 7.
Robert Page last week shocked Toshack by announcing his retirement from international football just three days after being selected for the qualification double-header.
The 32-year-old Coventry defender had been recalled by Toshack due to an injury crisis, with defenders Mark Delaney and Sam Ricketts ruled out of the games.
Derby’s Lewin Nyatanga and West Ham’s Danny Gabbidon remain available, however MK Dons defender Craig Morgan – arguably the next in line – has only recently returned to training after injury.
