Wales v Canada. Match preview

Last updated : 30 May 2004 By Michael Morris

Match preview from The Western Mail.

SWANSEA CITY, September 22, 1982. Alan Curtis, Robbie James, Nigel Stevenson and Chris Marustik - each picked by Wales manager Mike England in his starting line-up for the European Championship qualifier with Norway at The Vetch.

Wrexham had four in the Welsh side under Mike Smith back in October 1978 for a 7-0 European Championship blitzing of Malta.

For the Swans of the '80s and the Robins of the '70s, read the Bluebirds 2004.

When Mark Hughes named Robert Earnshaw, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Paul Parry in his side for Thursday night's 0-0 draw against Norway in Oslo, it was the first time since 1956 that so many Cardiff City men had dominated a Wales team.

And, even though this was a friendly rather than a competitive game, it was firm proof for Earnshaw that Cardiff - and Wales - are very much on the up.

"There is a belief at Ninian Park that a strong Cardiff means a strong Wales and I just think it's fantastic that so many of us are representing our country at the moment," said Earnshaw.

"Ordinary players don't play international football. So the fact that Mark Hughes has picked so many of us just shows that what we are doing at Cardiff is spot-on at the moment.

"As we rise through the league, so more and more players will come to prominence.

"Myself and Danny have had our chance over the past couple of years and it's very rewarding for the pair of us to see Paul and Ginger come through at this level too. And great for us to play next to them for our country."

Ah, Ginger? The nickname the Bluebirds players have given 6ft 4in Collins, who literally stands tall off the pitch and, metaphorically speaking, stood even taller on it in blotting out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co at the Ullevaal Stadium.
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