Thatcher back in Wales contention

Ben Thatcher today rejoined his Wales team-mates and was declared ready for World Cup action as boss Mark Hughes stepped up his preparations for Wednesday’s group six qualifying clash with Northern Ireland in Cardiff.

The Manchester City full-back missed the 1-1 draw in Azerbaijan with a hamstring problem and a throat infection.

Hughes did not want Thatcher to be mixing with the rest of his players during the build-up for the match in Baku, because of fears that others could also be struck down by illness.

But Thatcher arrived at Wales’ Cardiff training base just hours after the squad returned overnight from central Asia with a point from their opening World Cup qualifier.

An FA of Wales spokesman said: “Ben is fit and ready for action, he has recovered from his problems and is available for selection.”

If Thatcher returns to the side in the left-back slot he has apparently made his own after just four appearances, Hughes will have a problem with how to deploy Cardiff’s Danny Gabbidon, who had an outstanding game as deputy to the former Tottenham, Leicester and Wimbledon player.

It is likely that Gabbidon will return to his favoured position of centre-back against the Irish at the Millennium Stadium, with Andy Melville or Robert Page stepping down.

Wales seem unlikely to have the services of Spurs midfielder Simon Davies for the 74,000 sell-out game.

Davies was sent back to Tottenham for further treatment on his shin splints problem last week, and it is likely that he will play a reserve game for his club on Tuesday rather than be involved with Wales.

Wales currently have Craig Bellamy and Mark Delaney under treatment for ankle injuries along with Jason Koumas, who has picked up a slight hamstring strain.

But all three are expected to be available for Wednesday’s match, which marks the first time the countries have met since 1984 when Hughes scored at Swansea in a 1-1 draw.

The Wales boss must also decide who plays down the right flank now Davies is unlikely to be available.

Mark Pembridge was withdrawn at half-time in Baku with John Oster coming on and producing an impressive performance.

Oster almost created a last-minute winning goal for Robert Earnshaw with a fine run and cross which the newly-signed West Brom player headed against a post.

Earnshaw could also come into consideration for a place in the starting line-up, which would mean Bellamy could yet be the man who plays on the right, a position he has occupied in the past for Wales.