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Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 19:45

World Cup Euro Qual Group A

Coleman determined to deliver

Chris Coleman believes the Wales squad to face Austria is the strongest of his time in charge.

Last Updated: 05/02/13 at 17:43 Post Comment   

Chris Coleman: Pleased with squad

Chris Coleman: Pleased with squad

Coleman's first 12 months in charge of Wales have been difficult, with the former Fulham boss tasting victory just once in six games.

His chances of building on the foundations laid by Gary Speed have been hurt by withdrawals and injuries, with Wayne Hennessey and Neil Taylor long-term absentees.

Striker Steve Morison, plus centre-halves James Collins and Darcy Blake are among those missing for Wednesday's Liberty Stadium clash, but Coleman believes with Craig Bellamy back in the fold and Gareth Bale firing on all cylinders, this is as good a line-up as he has yet been able to work with.

He said: "The turn-out has been good. The guys have all turned up for duty and they are looking good and ready for the game, this is probably the strongest squad of my time in charge.

"We have got Craig Bellamy back, and we have not had him for some time, with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.

"When I named the squad I said it was a strong squad but would everyone be available? We had to get through the weekend of course, but I was delighted and the boys have been excellent over the last few days.

"We are missing a few players but it is the best squad I have had, even if that brings more pressure on me for tomorrow I have to say that. We have to try and build some momentum (before next month's qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia)."

Bellamy's return has been particularly welcome given speculation he would not play for Wales again after missing the first four World Cup qualifiers through injury.

But the Cardiff forward has made it clear he has no intention of calling time on his international career, and captain Ashley Williams revealed the striker's return has lifted spirits in the camp.

"I think that we missed him in the games to be honest, and also I don't really think the lads spoke about him retiring at all, we never thought he was going to retire," he said.

"We were just waiting for him to come back when the time was right for him and his situation and we are pleased that he is now and you can tell the squad has been lifted a bit.

"He seems in a relaxed mood, I think he is happy and he is a top quality player, so obviously you need all the top quality players you can get and with him and Gareth Bale it gives us something different."

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