Norway v Wales. City players preview

At some stage over tonights game in Norway and Sundays match v Canada at Wrexham, Mark Hughes will play the centre back pairing of James Collins and Daniel Gabbidon together. Gabbidon is a sure fire starter for Wales with Collins likely to come off the bench to earn his first full Wales cap and so achieve the record of playing for Wales at every level inc the rarely used U20's.

Hughes fast tracked Gabbidon into the Wales team Collins could be set for the same ride.

"Danny was fast tracked a couple of years back because I was struggling for bodies in defence, and he grasped that opportunity and was outstanding," said Hughes.

"I have been delighted with the way he has applied himself since he got into the team, and James has got to look at the example set by Danny and try to follow him. e has been steady and Danny and James together have done fine at club level. It is early in their development, and they just have to continue to progress in the right manner and keep listening to people who can help them."

Robert Earnshaw with 4 goals in his last two games will start against Norway tonight along with Craig Bellamy in attack. Bellamy was not selected initially but contacted Mark Hughes to say he was fit and available.

Paul Parry looks like winning his first start in only his second international. Fantastic news.

"We will have a look at another Cardiff lad Paul Parry as well as James over these next two games. Paul came in and did very well earlier this season, others can do the same," Hughes continued.

Martyn Margetson missed a days training with a back problem but should be fit enough for the bench. Danny Coyne will start tonights game but 32 year old Margetson will be desperate for a first cap that he thought would never come.

Margetson's best chance is now with Mark Crossley and Paul Jones out of the squad.

Wales with such an inexperienced line up with come face to face with a Norway team including several household names.

Ronny Johnsen (Aston Villa), John Arne Riise (Liverpool), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United) and Tore Andre Flo (Siena) the most recognisable.

Former Blackburn and Man Utd defender Henning Berg is set to play a small part to end his international career with exactly 100 caps.

Full Norway squad

Goalkeepers: Thomas Myhre (Sunderland), Jan Kjell Larsen (FK Haugesund).

Defenders: Christer Basma, (Rosenborg Trondheim), Andre Bergdolmo (Borussia Dortmund), Jon Inge Hoiland (Malmo), Ronny Johnsen (Aston Villa), Claus Lundekvam (Southampton).

Midfielders: John Arne Riise (Liverpool), Martin Andresen (Blackburn), Magne Hoset (Molde), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Tromso), Jan Gunnar Solli (Rosenborg Trondheim), Tron Andersen.
Forwards: Tore Andre Flo (Siena), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United), Thorstein Helstad (Austria Vienna), Bengt Saeternes (Club Brugge), Rune Lange (FC Bruges).