Rate it!

2 votes

Brian Stock could become Doncaster's first international player after being handed a chance to represent Wales in their World Cup qualifier with Russia on Wednesday following the retirement of Jason Koumas.

Koumas, 29, called time on his international career after talks with John Toshack, who brought midfielder Stock back into the fold after a chronic back problem scuppered previous international debuts.

"I did fear that I would never get into the international team, as there were times I pulled out of Wales duty then played for Doncaster a week later, but the international break gave me a chance to rest my back," Stock, 28, told the BBC.

"To have the operation and get back has been a major achievement. I feel much better as I was really struggling last season and it was affecting my game.

"To win my first Wales cap would be another chapter in my football career and a great achievement that my grandmother would have been proud of.

"I've been told that no-one has represented Wales or any other country while playing for Doncaster, so that would make it even more of an achievement."

Stock has a decent chance of winning his first cap in the Group 4 qualifying clash, with West Ham midfielder Jack Collison likely to miss the game due to his father's funeral.

Simon Church is expected to be out for the same reason as Collison, while Bristol City defender Lewin Nyatanga has mumps.

Nyatanga's club team-mate Christian Ribeiro comes in, promoted from the U21s after scoring in the remarkable 2-1 win over Italy last week.

For Wales to make the play-offs they must come second in the group, which would involve beating Russia, wining their next two matches and Russia also losing all of their remaining games - including a trip to Azerbaijan.

Finland, who are one of Wales' forthcoming opponents, must also beat Russia and also lose or draw at Liechtenstein.

Eurosport