Wales ready to shine - Toshack (From Chorley Citizen)

Wales ready to shine - Toshack

7:19am Friday 3rd September 2010 in National Sport © Press Association 2011

John Toshack believes his overhaul of the Wales side can bear fruit in the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Wales have not played in the finals of a major tournament for 52 years but Toshack is optimistic as they begin their latest attempt to reach one in Montenegro tonight. Toshack has overseen a huge transition of the national side in his near six years in charge with several youngsters emerging.

Toshack said: "What we have gone through - team rebuilding - was difficult enough but has been made even more difficult by the ridiculous problems we have had through injury, making five or six changes every game."

He added: "The continuity, we just haven't had it. But apart from two long-term injuries we are pretty much okay.

"The side that plays, as much as they are young players, have got quite a number of caps under their belts now.

"Things have happened that we couldn't have foreseen - injuries and retirements from players who really should still have a lot to offer at international level.

"It has probably taken a little longer than I would have liked but we are in this position now and hopefully we will be able to get off to a good start."

Captain Craig Bellamy has stressed the importance of getting the campaign off to a positive start. The 31-year-old said: "Everyone wants to get off to a good start.

"It isn't over for us if we don't but, realistically, I do believe the way the group is going to pan out we need to have a positive result."