Bulgaria v Wales preview

Wales gear up for qualifiers

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 22nd August 2007

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Gabbidon: Captain

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Wales will be looking to show there is life after Ryan Giggs as they take on Bulgaria, live on Sky Sports 1.

John Toshack's side travel to Bourgas by the Black Sea for a friendly that will provide crucial preparation for this autumn's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

However, Wales, currently fifth in Group D, will be without Giggs after he called time on his international career following the goalless draw with Czech Republic in June.

Craig Bellamy also withdrew from the squad ahead of the birth of his child, so Danny Gabbidon will wear the captain's armband.

West Ham defender James Collins is out with a groin injury, while Jason Koumas was forced to pull out due to illness following Wigan's 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the weekend.

Wolves striker Freddy Eastwood is expected to make his debut in attack alongside Rob Earnshaw.

Gareth Bale, who has not yet featured in the Premier League for new club Tottenham, has declared himself fit and is set to play some part.

Strikers out for Bulgaria

Bulgaria are sure to present a stern test for the Welsh, as they are currently second in Group G and unbeaten in their seven qualifiers to date.

But they will be without Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov, who is set to be sidelined for at least five months with knee ligament damage.

Bojinov himself was only called up to the squad when Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov suffered a groin problem.

British-based trio Martin Petrov, Stilian Petrov and Svetosalv Todorov are all available for coach Dimitar Penev.