Paul Parry retires

In a shocker, Cardiff City’s Paul Parry has announced his retirement from international football two days before a crucial match against Russia.

This is a stunning reversal as he was informed by John Toshack that he would start in Moscow as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.

With Craig Bellamy and Freddy Eastwood out Wales is in dire straights and given a poor performance by Rob Earnshaw against Azerbaijan is likely to turn to Man City’s Ched Evans or Wolverhampton Sam Vokes.

Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe n his BBC Sport Wales column:

“It’s a trend these days, players retire themselves, but it’s not the way I was brought up, and I don’t agree with it.”

“The big difference with players these days is money, that situation has changed everything in the game.

“He could have been an important squad member, but he has no reason to feel aggrieved at his treatment by Wales and John Toshack will not be losing any sleep about it.”

Very disturbing situation but I am very confident of Ched Evans and Sam Vokes putting forth a strong performance.