Chris Coleman will hope to end the season with his first win as coach as Wales take on Mexico in New Jersey on Sunday.
Coleman targets first win as coach in New Jersey
Chris Coleman will hope to end the season with his first win as coach as Wales take on Mexico in New Jersey on Sunday.
The former Wales international was appointed as coach earlier this year following the death of Gary Speed and he is seeking a positive result ahead of the start of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Speed oversaw a massive turnaround in Wales' results and performances, and Coleman will be looking to build on the foundations laid down by his old team-mate.
Coleman originally named a 23-man squad for the game against Mexico but six players, including Gareth Bale, have withdrawn due to injury.
Bale's absence has prompted fears that the Tottenham winger could follow the same path of Ryan Giggs, who missed many of Wales' friendlies during his international career.
Commitment
However, Coleman has no concerns about Bale's commitment to the national team and a similar sentiment applies to Craig Bellamy.
The Liverpool attacker was considering his international future following Speed's passing, but he is in the squad to face Mexico and is expected to be involved in Wales' bid to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in two years' time.
In addition to Bale missing out, Joe Ledley, Neal Eardley, Darcy Blake, David Vaughan and Lewis Price also withdrew due to injury.
Coleman has selected Joel Lynch, Jazz Richards, Adam Henley, Jermaine Easter and Owain Fon Williams as replacements, with the first three-named players in contention for an international debut.
First-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is out due to a long-term injury, so Aberdeen shot-stopper Jason Brown is likely to start.
The likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen should start in midfield and Norwich City striker Steve Morison will be hoping to get the nod up front.
