Jessica Fishlock dropped from Wales Women's squad by Jayne Ludlow

Wales Women's captain Jessica Fishlock has been dropped from the squad ahead of next month’s Istria Cup.

The country’s new manager Jayne Ludlow has left out the 82-cap Fishlock from her first squad and appointed Sophie Ingle as team captain.

Although I am disappointed not to be part of this squad, I am, and will continue to be, available for Jayne and the squad moving forward

The 28-year-old striker was expected to play a big part after her former team-mate Ludlow succeeded the Finn Jarmo Matikainen as Wales manager in October.

However, Ludlow has surprisingly left Fishlock, who currently plays for German champions Frankfurt on loan from American outfit Seattle Reign, out of the squad for the friendly tournament in Croatia at the start of March.

"We've had conversations over the last few months about Jess going forwards with us as a group and managing her availability with regards to what we need in the games we are playing," said Ludlow.

"She's very open as to the reasons why I've done this.

"I've got four competitive games coming up in Croatia which gives me an opportunity to play a lot of players who I haven't seen much of.

"I want to see as many of the new players in the squad as I can and if I take Jess right now that restricts their game time.

"Jess has been very mature and taken those reasons on board and reacted really positively."

Fishlock took to social media to express her disappointment at not being part of the squad in Croatia but congratulated Ingle on her becoming captain as Wales build towards the Euro 2017 qualifiers.

"Although I am disappointed not to be part of this squad, I am, and will continue to be, available for Jayne and the squad moving forward," Fishlock wrote on Twitter.

"I want to congratulate Sophie Ingle who is a wonderful player and a first-class person who will lead Wales with distinction."