Toshack's Wales have a slim chance of World Cup qualification

Wales manager John Toshack says some of his young players need to be playing for their clubs if they are to gain experience and fitness.

Toshack saw his young side's hopes of World Cup qualification fade after being beaten 2-0 by Finland.

And he pointed out that the likes of Tottenham defenders Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter and Wigan midfielder Jason Koumas need to be playing more.

"I thought the fitness levels were all over the shop," said Toshack.

"We don't really have a hard core of experience there.

"The youngsters are getting more experience the more internationals they play - some of them are up to 18 or 20 games.

"But at the same time, they need to be playing more often at club level because during the second half, there were a few tired legs out there."

And Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw, who knows what it is like to be left out following his days at Derby, agrees with Toshack.

"A lot of our squad have not played a lot of games and are not really playing at their clubs, so it's going to be tough and have an affect on the team," said the 27-year-old.

"I think three or four of the starting line-up are not playing games for their clubs and maybe it's going to tell towards the end."

Finland included nine players in their squad who were more than 30-years-old and Earnshaw says Wales' players can learn from the oldest member in that group, Jari Litmanen.

606: DEBATE Toshack has to go now. I was in agreement with his appointment but our displays are going rapidly downhill brucey790

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Liverpool striker played a key role for the Finns as they secured the Group Four win.

"I thought he was different class," said Earnshaw, who came on as a second-half substitute.

"He is 38, really clever, sees the whole thing and that's where the difference is.

"You can see the quality of him playing at the highest level and we can definitely learn from people like that."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version