Thatcher claims Toshack accused him of being ‘scared’ to play

BEN THATCHER has launched a fierce attack on John Toshack and claims the Wales manager accused him of being too “scared” to play for his country in the last World Cup qualifier in Poland.

The Manchester City defender has made himself unavailable for the Group Six games with Northern Ireland in Belfast on Saturday and in Cardiff against Azerbaijan next Wednesday.

The 29-year-old has not retired from international football but his future is uncertain, given the treatment of outspoken Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage, who has not played under Toshack since criticising the new regime.