King hopes for boost in Dublin

Wales midfielder Andy King believes victory in tomorrow night’s Carling Nations Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland would be the perfect boost ahead of next month’s eagerly-anticipated meeting with England.

New manager Gary Speed will take charge of Wales for the first time at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday with Wales having endured a miserable run of three defeats at the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign that means their record of failing to reach a major finals since 1958 is likely to continue.