Wales boss John Toshack has hailed the progress of his star pupil Joe Ledley - but still feels the Cardiff midfielder may need a rest.Toshack takes great pride in his part in Ledley's development, with the 21-year-old set to win his 20th cap at some point of Wednesday's international against Norway at Wrexham.

It was three years ago that Toshack threw Ledley into the senior Wales side against Poland, and since then the adaptable midfielder has blossomed for club and country.

He was the target of several big clubs during the transfer window, including Everton, with the Ninian Park club relieved the Cardiff-born youngster is still with them as they fight to reach the Championship play-offs.

Toshack said: "A lot of clubs were looking at him, I'm aware of that.

"But I'm not surprised, he has developed into an excellent young player.

"He played 58 games for Cardiff last season, he was ever-present for them, but in the internationals at the end of the season he was still bombing up and down his line full of energy while a few around him were wilting.

"Maybe with the amount of games he has played recently he does not need to start this Wales international.

"He was outstanding against Germany when we drew in Frankfurt in November, and he has progressed very well with us."

Toshack hinted that Ledley could well start the Norway game on the bench, but it is certain he will get on at some stage, while Lewis Price is expected to replace Wayne Hennessey at the break.

Toshack said: "Joe has progressed very well with us. He was outstanding in Germany, and he was not alone.

"We are delighted with his progress - but he is one of a group of lads who will not play the full 90 minutes against Norway.

"Ledley, Sam Ricketts and Simon Davies have played virtually every game this season so they could do with a bit of a rest.

"There are others who need a full 90 minutes and we will try to use everyone carefully."

Toshack added: "Cardiff have brought in a few players in Ledley's positions, but he is happy there in his hometown club and he has established himself as the number one in his role, he has really matured and started scoring some excellent goals."

Despite being without a host of Premier League stars, Toshack believes Wales can build on the excellent results they achieved in their final two drawn Euro 2008 qualifying group matches last year, against the Republic of Ireland and Germany.

He said: "We need some continuity, but that's something Wales never have because of the constant withdrawals.

"We are without Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Gareth Bale, who would all be first choices for us.

"That's a hard burden to carry but I honestly believe that with the large amount of good young players coming through, we have a decent chance of qualifying for the World Cup finals.

"We need a lot of things to go right for us, but it is possible. We can go forward.

"We have taken a lot of confidence from the draw in Germany, as well as with the Republic of Ireland. We lost a lot of players but came out of those games with plenty of positives.

"There were some very good individual performances, and we would hope for some continuity. We also showed we could adapt tactically.

"I look at our youngsters training for this game and I can see a difference in them from a year ago, I can see how they have matured.

"I do feel confident and if our top stars are with us we can produce a good blend and a potentially winning side."

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