Mark Hughes has included Matthew Jones and John Oster in a 28-man squad for the friendly with Bosnia on 12 February.

He has named such a large party to cover for the inevitable withdrawals.

Leicester midfielder Jones is a welcome returnee after his cruciate knee injury that kept him out for nearly a year.

Winger Oster got his Sunderland career back on track after a successful loan period with Grimsby, and his form has been enough to attract Hughes' attention.

(Gabbidon's) got this ongoing back problem which is a worry, but Cardiff are handling him well and not pushing him Mark Hughes

Hughes said: "Both lads have recovered from long term injuries and this is a chance to get them back into the squad."

"Matt's had a difficult period but has shown a lot of positive thinking and applied himself well.

"John's not played for us for a long time, but it was the right time to bring him back in."

Danny Gabbidon is included in the squad, despite not playing since 9 November because of a back injury.

Gabbidon's back injury has kept him out of action since November

"He's got this ongoing back problem which is a worry, but Cardiff are handling him well and not pushing him," said Hughes.

Nathan Blake is the other major fitness doubt. The Wolves striker has not appeared since before Christmas.

Gary Speed, Rhys Weston, Paul Trollope and Paul Evans are also included, although they are recovering from injuries.

Crystal Palace's strong league and cup form has helped Kit Symons claim a place in the squad.

Wales manager Mark Hughes is keen on Bosnia as opponents because he feels they will be a similar outfit to Yugoslavia, who Wales face next April in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

Hughes' assistant coach Mark Bowen will not be released from his Birmingham duties to assist in preparations for the match.

Wales squad for Bosnia, Cardiff, 12 February:

Goalkeepers: Paul Jones (Southampton), Mark Crossley (Middlesborough), Darren Ward (Nottingham Forest), Danny Coyne (Grimsby)
Defenders: Andy Melville (Fulham), Kit Symons (Crystal Palace), Robert Page (Sheffield United), Mark Delaney (Aston Villa), Darren Barnard (Grimsby), Danny Gabbidon (Cardiff), Rhys Weston (Cardiff)
Midfielders: Gary Speed (Newcastle), Mark Pembridge (Everton), Robbie Savage (Birmingham), Simon Davies (Spurs), Matthew Jones (Leicester), Carl Robinson (Sheffield Wednesday), Andy Johnson (West Brom), Paul Trollope (Northampton), John Oster (Sunderland), Paul Evans (Blackpool), Jason Koumas (West Brom)
Forwards: Ryan Giggs (Man Utd), John Hartson (Celtic), Nathan Blake (Wolves), Craig Bellamy (Newcastle), Gareth Taylor (Burnley), Rob Earnshaw (Cardiff)