That would mean goalkeeper Paul Jones keeping his place ahead of Lewis Price despite his costly errors on Saturday. A lack of cover is also likely to see reprieves for defenders Rob Edwards, Lewin Nyatanga and Richard Duffy. But Paul Parry could force his way into the side in place of Rob Earnshaw after an impressive display as a substitute. Wigan's £2m striker David Cotterill, 18, is also waiting in the wings for his first competitive start. Cardiff midfielder cum wing-back Joe Ledley could come into contention, but he is unlikely to be preferred to goal-scorer Gareth Bale - one of the few to impress in the 5-1 loss to Slovakia. Carl Robinson, Simon Davies and Jason Koumas are set to continue as the midfield trio, with striker Craig Bellamy again leading the side in Ryan Giggs' absence with a hamstring injury. In a rare boost for the beleaguered Wales squad, Bellamy was able to take full part in training this week after his trial on an assault charge - scheduled for Tuesday - was postponed to a future, and as yet unknown, date. With James Collins, Sam Ricketts and Mark Delaney again out injured, the only conceivable change at the back would see MK Dons centre-back Craig Morgan replacing Edwards.
But that seems highly unlikely considering uncapped Morgan has not played since breaking his nose in August. Toshack would have more scope for change if he reverted to a 4-4-2 system he last used in the home friendly with Bulgaria in August. That could see Duffy and Bale as the full-backs, with Danny Gabbidon partnering Nyatanga in the middle of the defence. Ledley or Parry would slot in comfortably on the left of midfield, with Koumas and Robinson in the middle and Davies on the right. Parry is also an option on the right, having played in that position for Championship leaders Cardiff this season. Cyprus coach Angelos Anastasiades, on the other hand, has no such tactical or personnel considerations. His squad arrived in Wales with no major injury worries so Cyprus are likely to start with the same side that beat the Republic of Ireland 5-2 in Nicosia on Saturday. Toshack is grateful Wales have an opportunity to atone for Saturday's hammering, but knows Cyprus will be tricky opponents. "Cyprus were hammered by six by Slovakia and bounced back to hit the Irish with five," he said. "Now we have been well beaten and we must bounce back against Cyprus. "But Cyprus will be confident, they have come back from conceding six to knock in five themselves. They will not be easy opposition." | ||||
News conference: Wales boss John Toshack