Planet Swans ArchivesJames Thomas awoke this morning expecting to start another week training with the Swansea squad in their bid to beat the job but found himself, by lunchtime, on a plane to Azerbaijan with the rest of the Welsh Squad for their European championship qualifier.
Thomas was joined in the squad by Adrian Williams and Neil Roberts as Mark Hughes faced life without several of his first choice squad. Following the weekend games Hughes was forced to travel without Robbie Savage, Mark Pembridge, Craig Bellamy, Andy Johnson, Jason Koumas, Nathan Blake and Gareth Taylor.
Thomas was informed of the call up late this morning and was hastily rushed to the airport to catch the 12.25 flight with the rest of the squad. This is the second time that our top scorer has been recognised by the full squad this year although he missed the game against Croatia through injury.
Thomas is likely to be in Azerbaijan to make up the numbers but the call up shows that Mark Hughes is well aware throughout all divisions of the options that are open to him.
Wales presently head their group with 6 points and a win in the game on Wednesday will see them move five points clear at the top and should make them installed as favourites to qualify following last month’s 2-1 victory over Italy in Cardiff.
The game has attracted some controversy in the club v country argument and Welsh fans will be watching closely to see which of their ‘injured’ internationals will be fit for duty on Saturday afternoon.
But in the meantime, all Welsh football fans (and some British ones) will be hoping that Hughes and his team take another big step towards Portugal 2004.
