 Koumas has won 16 Wales caps and scored one goal |
Wales have denied suggestions that Jason Koumas has become the latest big-name player to fall out with boss John Toshack over commitment issues. Cardiff midfielder Koumas has cited personal reasons for pulling out of the squad for the forthcoming friendlies.
But Wales assistant boss Roy Evans says they have accepted Koumas' absence.
"It's not a stand off in any way. We're just disappointed for Jason and ourselves that he is not progressing in his international career," said Evans.
"We've been told he has personal reasons and we don't know much more than that.
"It's unfortunate that Jason is missing out because he's a lad who looks like could develop into a player. He had a great year with Cardiff and we would've like to have him with us.
"But sometimes families do come first and you have to be sensible with it.
"That's the disappointment of the trip, but everyone else is here and that can only be good from our point of view."
Koumas has a history of late withdrawals from Wales squads - particularly for away and friendly matches - which have raised questions over his commitment.
He pulled out of last November's friendly in Cyprus with a hamstring injury, and yet played the full 90 minutes for Cardiff three days later.
Robbie Savage, Ben Thatcher and Danny Collins have been cast aside by Toshack for a perceived lack of dedication, but Evans says Koumas has a pivotal role to play in Wales' future.
"We're trying to get him on the pitch because we want him to improve at international level," Evans added.
"He needs to make that step forward now and start performing at international game.
"Unless he gets that experience he's not going to develop from our point of view."
Wales squad to play a Basque XI (20 May) and Trinidad and Tobago (27 May):
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown (Gillingham), Glyn Garner (Leyton Orient), Paul Jones (QPR), Lewis Price (Ipswich)
Defenders: Gareth Bale (Southampton), James Collins (West Ham), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby), David Partridge (Bristol City), Craig Morgan (MK Dons),
Midfielders: Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Simon Davies (Everton), Carl Fletcher (West Ham), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Carl Robinson (Norwich), David Vaughan (Crewe)
Strikers: Craig Bellamy (Blackburn), David Cotterill (Bristol City), Craig Davies (Hellas Verona), Robert Earnshaw (Norwich), Ryan Giggs (Man Utd),
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He needs to make that step forward now and start performing at international game
