Gould wants Taylor to go with the Flo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Taylor will make his international debut for Wales against Albania in Tirana today in an unfamiliar role. The 22-year-old has spent his short career in a central role, first as a defender and latterly as a striker, a switch which prompted his pounds 1.6m move to Crystal Palace.
Bobby Gould, the Wales coach, sticks with the front pairing of Ryan Giggs and Dean Saunders, who caused Germany considerable trouble in Cardiff last month, so Taylor earns his first cap as a left-sided wing-back.
Gould said he had modelled his tactics for the final European Championship Group Seven qualifier on those that have served Norway so well. He is convinced the 6ft 2in Taylor's aerial ability makes him ideal to imitate Jostein Flo's wide role.
"It isn't long-ball football," Gould said, "but on a pitch like the one we're playing on you're just not going to be able to play the ball out. Gareth will give us another option with his height. I said before that he is the best header of a ball I have seen since Ron and Wyn Davies."
The Welsh endured a protracted journey to the Albanian capital, fog and a faulty sparkplug delaying their departure from Stansted, and further delays on arrival, they reached the Qemal Stafa stadium too late to train.
Gould's side shows four enforced changes from the one beaten by Jurgen Klinsmann's late goal last month. Next to Taylor in midfield will be Luton's Ceri Hughes, while Nottingham Forest's Dave Phillips returns as captain in the absence of Barry Horne. Eric Young, the 35-year-old Wolves defender, plays for the first time in 20 months.
WALES (European Championship Group Seven v Albania, Tirana, tonight): Southall (Everton), Bowen (Norwich), Melville (Sunderland), Young (Wolves), Jenkins (Huddersfield), Pembridge (Sheffield Wednesday), Phillips (Nottm Forest), Hughes (Luton), Taylor (Crystal Palace), Saunders (Galatasaray), Giggs (Manchester Utd).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments