Wales football news - October 2000.

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Dream still alive.

After the two drawn games against Norway and Poland Wales' World Cup dream is still alive. Wales have now over a five month wait until the next qualifier away against Armenia, with a tough home fixture against Ukraine four days later.

Wales know that an away win in Armenia is essential.

"	I believe we've got the platform to go on to much better things in this group.	"
	Ryan Giggs

Wednesday, October 18th 2000.

Poland v Wales preview.

Wales flew out to Poland on Monday morning ahead of their latest World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The match in Warsaw may prove to be Wales's biggest test so far in Group 5. Mark Hughes hopes the hostile atmosphere at the Legia Warsaw Stadium will inspire his side.

Team news:

Nathan Blake is the only doubt with a thigh strain.

"	Hostile environments should inspire you, and we have a lot of players who are not the opposition crowds' favourite players back home.	"
	Mark Hughes

Tuesday, October 10th 2000.

Wales v Norway preview.

Wales meet Norway at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. It will be Wales' first home game in World Cup qualifying group 5, and after a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Belarus last month a positive result is vital.

Team news:

Paul Jones looks set to retain the goalkeeper's jersey and Mark Delaney is likely to start, despite a long injury lay-off. Both John Hartson and Nathan Blake are likely to start up-front. Gary Speed has also emphasised the importance of the game.

"	We must make home advantage count and get some results on the road.	"
	Gary Speed

Friday, October 6th 2000.

Jones looking forward.

Matthew Jones is looking forward to playing a part in Wales' clash with Norway after a handful of appearances this season. After an operation this summer on his shin splints injury he says that the rest has done him good.

Norway have fitness worries over Stefan Iversen
who has a foot injury. Both John Robinson and Robbie Savage have resumed training and hopefully should be fit.

"	My injury is coming on very well now, I've had problems with my shin bones and I tried to play through it and found I couldn't.	"
	Matthew Jones

Thursday, October 5th 2000.

John Robinson's award.

John Robinson has won the senior Player of the Year at the annual Welsh Player of the Year awards. Young player of the year for the second year running went to Matthew Jones. The club player of the year award went to Swansea's Roger Freestone. All three players are in the Welsh squad to face Norway on Saturday.

Good news this morning as both John Robinson and Robbie Savage resumed training.

Wednesday, October 4th 2000.

Welsh training session.

The Wales squad has been training at Ninian Park in preparation for the Norway game on Saturday. Robbie Savage was forced to pull out of training with an ankle injury. Dean Saunders was also missing.

After an injury he picked up at the weekend John Robinson was also absent. There is major doubt over Mark Pembridge (calf injury) who yet to play so far this season.

Mark Delaney should earn a recall. Ryan Giggs has also emphasised the importance of the next two games.

"	I missed Wales' first game, which was disappointing, but I am determined to make it up.	"
	Mark Delaney

"	These games against Norway and Poland are very important. We want to win every game, especially all those at home and we are confident we can win.	"
	Ryan Giggs

Tuesday, October 3rd 2000.

Johnson out - Niedzwiecki in.

Andy Johnson is out of the Wales squad for the crucial World Cup Qualifier against Norway on Saturday. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is out with a knee injury.

Carl Robinson of Wolves has been called-up as replacement. Mark Pembridge is also doubtful. Squad meet up this evening in Cardiff.

Former Wales keeper Eddie Niedzwiecki has been given clearance by his club Chelsea to help Wales U-21 manager Jimmy Shoulder.

Monday, October 2nd 2000.