Earnie back in Welsh fold

Forest striker returns from international exile

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 8th August 2008

rob earnshaw wales

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John Toshack has handed an international recall to Robert Earnshaw, ending a six-month exile.

The Wales boss has included the striker in his squad for the upcoming friendly against Georgia at Swansea's Liberty Stadium on 20th August.

The diminutive forward had not been selected for his country's previous three matches against Luxembourg, Iceland and Holland.

His form and attitude had suffered as a result of his unhappy time at Derby, causing concern to Toshack.

However, having sealed a close season move to Nottingham Forest, the 27-year-old will be hoping to rediscover his match sharpness on Trentside.

Qualifiers

The fixture against Georgia represents Wales' final chance to iron out any problems ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.

Toshack has resisted the urge to include any members of Brian Flynn's U21 squad in his party, allowing the youngsters to concentrate on a crucial UEFA Championship qualifier against Romania at Wrexham on the same night.

Wales are also without skipper Craig Bellamy as the West Ham striker has a hamstring strain, while Derby defender Lewin Nyatanga misses out with a knee problem.

Cardiff midfielder Paul Parry returns to the fold following an 18-month absence, and Wrexham's Steve Evans stands to make history if he is given a run out.

The defender will become the first non-league player to figure in a senior Wales international since 1930 should he feature in the contest.

Wales squad in full for the friendly against Georgia on 20th August:

Myhill (Hull), Price (Derby), S Evans (Wrexham), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), Crofts (Gillingham), A Davies (Nottingham Forest), S Davies (Fulham), Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Tudur Jones (Swansea), Koumas (Wigan), Parry (Cardiff), Robinson (Toronto), Stock (Doncaster), Vaughan (Blackpool), Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Easter (Plymouth), Eastwood (Coventry).