Ricketts Gets International Boost

Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher has put his Welsh International career on hold, after stating that he was upset with the way he was treated before last month's qualifiers. The Welsh first-choice left-back has made himself unavailable for the International side for next month's two World Cup qualifiers and for the "foreseeable future".

This will prove fantastic news for Swans defender Sam Ricketts, who has thrived in the Welsh left-back spot in Thatcher's absence. After making his debut against Hungary at the Millenium Stadium in February, Ricketts has impressed many by making the step-up to International level with relative ease and now looks set to play a major part in next month's qualifiers.

Welsh Manager John Toshack is set to name his squad for the two matches on Thursday, with Ricketts a certainty to be included. Wales must face Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan in the two final games of the World Cup qualifying group, that sees England struggling to qualify ahead of Poland.