Press stories on Ledley and Fletcher

FIRST there was Pavel Nedved, now there is Tomas Rosicky.

One legendary Czech Republic midfielder retires, another highly-rated playmaker steps up to replace him as team captain.

Wales midfielder Carl Fletcher would be forgiven for feeling a little daunted as he ponders the challenge that will confront him in Teplice tomorrow in the opening Euro 2008 qualifier.

One school of thought suggests the post-World Cup retirement of Juventus star Nedved offers Wales a little more hope of causing an upset in their Group D meeting with the Czechs.

But Fletcher is not buying into the theory. A keen observer of European football, the Crystal Palace midfielder has seen enough of new Arsenal recruit Rosicky to suggest Nedved might not be so sorely missed by his compatriots.

FULL STORY.

Cardiff teenager Joe Ledley has his sights set on the left-sided role which Ryan Giggs has occupied for many years in the Wales midfield.

The 19-year-old has made a fine start to the season with the Welsh club who sit top of the Championship, and is on the verge of a major breakthrough for his country.

He has won just four caps since John Toshack took charge of the national team, but crucially has impressed the manager and his coaching staff.

Ledley could well figure tomorrow when Wales start their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign in Teplice, 60 miles from Prague, against the Czech Republic.

FULL STORY.