Earnshaw warning pays dividends for Toshack

Wales manager John Toshack has revealed he told striker Robert Earnshaw a “few home truths” before deciding not to drop him for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Cyprus in which Wales regained their pride with a 3-1 win.

Earnshaw was hauled off at half-time on Saturday when Wales slumped to an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Slovakia in the first of their two Group D games in Cardiff.

Boss Toshack was far from impressed with the Norwich striker’s overall team play against the Slovaks, and considered playing either Cardiff’s Paul Parry or Wigan’s David Cotterill in the role beside Craig Bellamy.

However, Earnshaw stayed in the side and was on target for Wales after Jason Koumas netted the first and Bellamy hit the second.

Toshack said: “I gave it a lot of thought, and right up to the day of the match, and I spoke to Earnie during the day. I told him a few home truths and said he must do better.

“The decision to leave him in the side paid off. He scored a fine goal and could have had more.

"Unfortunately, we do not have too much competition for places up front, but I know that Earnshaw and Bellamy can do damage as a partnership.”