Gabbs cops the flak

Danny Gabbidon has been targeted by furious Welsh fans after his team were humbled by minnows Cyprus at the weekend.

The Welsh were soundly beaten 3-1 by the islanders - and the team have, not surprisingly, been slammed by local press.

But what has angered Gabbidon is the accusation from some quarters that 'he doesn't care about playing for his country' - something he vehemently denied earlier today.

"Nobody can say that," said the United defender. "Obviously I was disappointed with the game and my performance.

"You hear things said about your place being under threat but I have to accept that. If the boss thinks there is someone else who can come in and do better than that, it is his decision.

"But for people to say that I don't care is nonsense. I have shown every time that I try to give 100 per cent.

"I always want to play for Wales, and win. I don't believe anyone could say I was not trying. I was just disappointed with the goals we conceded, and I hold my hands up because I was at fault along with everyone else.

"We could have done a lot better, maybe I should not show it and react the way I did. But I showed my emotions, that is how I felt at the time."

James Collins - who scored Wales' only goal of the game - has been forced to withdraw from the squad to face San Marino tomorrow as a result of a calf injury, further adding to Alan Curbishley's woes.

On a brighter note, Craig Bellamy - who played a full 90 minutes in Cyprus - is expected to start.