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Page last updated at 06:46 GMT, Thursday, 5 June 2008 07:46 UK

Earnshaw hurt by Wales treatment

Robert Earnshaw
Earnshaw has scored 13 times for Wales in 39 appearances

Rob Earnshaw says he has been "harshly treated" by Wales after being left out of the squad's recent friendlies in Iceland and Netherlands.

The striker has just completed a �2.65m move from Derby to Nottingham Forest.

He said: "I had a long look at it and maybe feel I've been harshly treated because I'm one of the senior players in the Wales set-up.

"There's lots of people in that set-up not playing and I'm the one who is not in the squad - it's very strange."

Wales boss John Toshack expressed his concern over Earnshaw last year when the 27-year-old failed to score or complete 90 minutes in a nine-month period.

"We can't keep going on and on thinking about what Earnie did years ago," Toshack said in October. "It's what he's doing now."

Earnshaw was drafted back into the squad for two of Wales' failed Euro 2008 qualifying matches and scored in the 2-1 win in San Marino taking his tally to 13 in 39 appearances.

He has not featured since then and failed to make the squad for last month's friendlies when non-capped players, including Manchester City's Ched Evans, were chosen ahead of him.

606: DEBATE

But he admits he has to be playing and scoring for Forest in the Championship next season or he could find himself in the wilderness again, like he was at relegated Premier League side Derby.

"For me, not playing as much last year has made the decision not to be in the national set up," he said.

"But I feel I should be in there because I scored one in my last two starts for Wales this season and I'm happy with how I've played.

"I've got to play here (at Nottingham Forest) and if I'm playing, I'll try to score goals, and if I'm scoring goals, then I don't see why I shouldn't be in the national set-up.

"I'll be knocking on that door."


see also
Earnshaw excited by Forest move
04 Jun 08 |  Nottm Forest
Earnshaw completes Forest switch
30 May 08 |  Nottm Forest
Earnshaw eager for Wales chance
11 Oct 07 |  Fixtures
BBC Sport Wales coverage
24 Dec 06 |  Wales


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