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Last Updated: Wednesday, 22 August 2007, 11:30 GMT 12:30 UK
Hennessey set to grab Wales spot
Wayne Hennessey kept a clean sheet against the Czech Republic
Wayne Hennessey kept a clean sheet against the Czech Republic

Bulgaria v Wales
Naftex Stadium, Bourgas
Wednesday, 22 August
Kick-off: 1800 BST
Live coverage on BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales, coverage on BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has a chance to cement his place in Wednesday's friendly against Bulgaria in Bourgas.

The 20-year-old Wolves stopper kept a clean sheet against the Czech Republic on his full debut last June and is set to start despite Danny Coyne being fit.

Wales boss John Toshack said: "Wayne did pretty well against the Czech Republic and possession is nine-tenths of the law in football.

"Wayne did nothing wrong last time out and deserves another chance."

The Wolves stopper's club team-mate Freddy Eastwood also has the chance to advance his Wales claims up the other end of the pitch.

Toshack is hoping newcomer Eastwood can be the goalscorer he has been yearning for, as the 23-year-old already has two goals for new club Wolves this season.

I am pleased with what I have seen from Freddy Eastwood, he gives us something different

Wales boss John Toshack

"You can see in training he is different to what we have in the squad, a genuine goalscorer," Toshack said.

"Freddy will start the match, we wanted him involved last season but a back injury ruled him out."

Eastwood is proud of his strong gypsy roots, and was sure his grandfather was born near Llanelli.

A search through the Welsh National Library archives in Aberystwyth found the birth certificate of Eastwood's grandfather, going back to the 1920s to confirm the Essex-born hitman could represent Wales.

Eastwood would almost certainly played some part in the match at the Naftex Stadium even with a full-strength squad.

But the withdrawal of captain Craig Bellamy - to be with his pregnant wife - means Eastwood will start in attack, probably in tandem with Rob Earnshaw.

"It is a big step up for him, he has been at Southend for a while and now he is at Wolves and in our squad," Toshack added.

"Things are moving along at a pace for him now and I just hope he can take his opportunity here.

"He's 23, still young, and when you see his play and movement you can see why he has scored so many goals.

"He links up well in team play and he knows what his job is all about.

Former Liverpool striker and ex-Real Madrid manager Toshack added: "I have worked with some good strikers as a manager and I played the odd game myself up front, so know a bit about the job.

"And I am pleased with what I have seen from Eastwood, he gives us something different."

Eastwood is eager for the chance to make his mark on the international stage.

606: DEBATE

"It is a great experience to meet up with the squad and I can't wait to get cracking," Eastwood said.

Eastwood had been due to play for Wales in their last game against the Czech Republic in June but had to pull out of that European Championship qualifying game because of a back injury..

Now, recovered from his injury and after his summer transfer from Southend to Wolverhampton Wanderers, he is back in form and scoring goals.

"I hoped to make my debut last time I was down with the squad, but was injured and was disappointed to have to pull out," Eastwood said.

"But I'm fit and raring to go and just want to get cracking now and play some games for Wales."

Only three years ago Eastwood was playing non-League football and now he finds himself on the verge of an international cap

But despite that fact, he is confident he can follow in the footsteps of Ian Rush and Dean Saunders and be a success on the international stage.

Eastwood said: "They've had some real good players over the years and hopefully I can be another one of them.

"Goals are my game and whatever level I've played at I've managed to score and hopefully I can do that for Wales.

"I'm in good form for my club and hopefully I can carry that onto international level."

SEE ALSO
Pick your Wales XI
05 Feb 07 |  Internationals
Wales pick Bale for Bulgaria trip
13 Aug 07 |  Internationals
Country profile: Bulgaria
08 Aug 07 |  Country profiles


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