Sparky names Wales play-off squad Soccernet.com Wednesday, October 29, 2003 Mark Hughes believes Wales are embarking on two Euro 2004 qualification play-off clashes with Russia which will shape his country's soccer future. Hughes named a 28-man squad today that is full of major injury problems - notably Robbie Savage - but the Wales chief remains confident that his squad can clinch a place in next summer's Portugal finals. Hughes said: 'These two games are possibly the most important in the history of Welsh football, as success will help to take the game in Wales to a higher level than ever before. 'The match in Moscow will be a great test, both because of the quality of opposition and the weather conditions, but I am happy that we will have our preparations right when the time comes.' Newcastle's Craig Bellamy has been omitted from the squad following his sixth knee operation, which will keep him out of action until the new year. But Hughes has gone ahead and named Simon Davies, Savage, Mark Pembridge and Robert Page despite all having injury worries. Cardiff's Rhys Weston has also been left out after having a cartilage operation that will sideline him for a month, while Jason Koumas is back after serving a one-match suspension. Hughes said: 'There are other players in the squad with injury concerns, Simon Davies, Robert Page and Robbie Savage, so this next week or so will be very important for them to see how they progress.' But Hughes can expect another bout of brinkmanship from Birmingham who have advised Savage to rest for a fortnight after more Achilles problems, although the combative midfielder did play in the Birmingham derby with Aston Villa earlier in the month. With the two Russia games on November 15 (Moscow) and 19 (Cardiff), Savage's availability will be in doubt until the last minute. Spurs midfielder Davies has not played a match since Wales' draw with Finland on September 10, and must be considered a major doubt with a thigh strain. Fulham's Pembridge limped off at Old Trafford in the 3-1 win over Manchester United last weekend with a thigh problem but is expected to be fit. The other major doubt is Sheffield United centre-back Page, who has been suffering from a chipped ankle bone and not played for several weeks. But Hughes has been told that the veteran defender is getting close to fitness. Hughes added: 'There are no surprises in the squad, I think that one of the strength's of the set-up has been that the players know my system in every respect, from playing to our training regime. 'Rhys Weston was not considered as he is not likely to be fit in time for the games after his cartilage problem. 'Jason Koumas returns after suspension and certainly gives me extra options.' Wales squad to play Russia in Euro 2004 play-offs matches in Moscow (November 15) and Cardiff (November 19): (Goalkeepers): P Jones (Southampton), M Crossley (Fulham), D Ward (Nottm For), D Coyne (Leicester); (Defenders): D Barnard (Grimsby), M Delaney (Aston Villa), R Edwards (Aston Villa), D Gabbidon (Cardiff), A Melville (Fulham), R Page (Sheff Utd), K Symons (Crystal Palace), A Williams (Reading); (Midfielders): S Davies (Tottenham), A Johnson (West Brom), J Koumas (West Brom), J Oster (Sunderland), M Pembridge (Fulham), C Robinson (Portsmouth), R Savage (Birmingham), G Speed (Newcastle), P Trollope (Northampton), D Vaughan (Crewe); (Forwards): N Blake (Wolves), R Earnshaw (Cardiff), R Giggs (Man Utd), J Hartson (Celtic), G Taylor (Nottm For), N Roberts (Wigan). --

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