Wilkinson challenges Wales to fill Holland void

Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson says it is up to other players to fill the void left by Ceri Holland in this week's Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania.

Wales meet the Albanians in Wrexham on Tuesday (19:15 BST) before travelling for the return fixture in Elbasan on Saturday (17:00 BST).

They will be without the versatile Holland, who is arguably their most influential player, in both games due to injury.

But Wilkinson says the absence of Liverpool's Holland, 28, means a chance for others to shine.

"Ceri is not replaceable, just like [the recently retired] Jess Fishlock, Kayleigh Barton," she said.

"These are unique individuals who always bring something very special.

"But that leaves a space for someone to step into and absolutely I think there'll be players ready to step in and deliver a performance for Wales."

Wilkinson declined to discuss the extent of Holland's fitness issue.

The 52-cap utility player scored twice in Liverpool's derby win over Everton at the end of March, but was not involved in their Women's FA Cup quarter-final win over Charlton earlier this month.

When asked about the reason behind Holland's absence, Wilkinson said: "I don't think that's for me to speak of, about what's up with Ceri.

"I think her club can answer that, but obviously she has been playing fantastically for Wales and also for Liverpool and she's a big loss."

Even without Holland, as well as fellow injured players Olivia Clark and Lois Joel, Wales will start as firm favourites to claim two victories against Albania, opponents they have never previously faced.

The Albanians are ranked 71st in the world – 40 places below Wales – with Wilkinson spelling out the need for her team to register two victories this week to keep their Women's World Cup qualification bid on track.

Wales are top of Group B1 having begun their campaign with a draw in the Czech Republic and a comprehensive home win over Montenegro last month.

The Czechs are expected to be Wales' main rivals to win the group, with Wilkinson's team currently leading the way on goal difference.

In a competition in which nations who are level on points will initially be separated by head-to-head records, Wales' target is to keep pace with the Czechs before they come to Cardiff for the final game of the group phase in June.

The side finishing top will secure a more favourable path in World Cup play-offs later this year.

"From the beginning I've said that the goal is to be top of the group and to try our best to win every game in front of us," Wilkinson said.

"That's my answer for this game as well."

With Leicester City goalkeeper Clark sidelined by a lower leg problem, Stoke City's Lucy Farrell-Schrouder is with the senior squad for the first time alongside another uncapped keeper, Poppy Soper.

But Manchester United's Safia Middleton-Patel is set to play both games this week as Wilkinson shelves her usual policy of rotating between her and Clark.

Mayzee Davies, the highly regarded Manchester City defender, is in the squad after 11 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

Wilkinson says the "unflappable" teenager has impressed on the training ground, but will not be involved in either of the Albania games because she is still building fitness and Wales have other options at the back.

Image caption,

Olivia Clark, Wales' most experienced keeper, suffered an injury during the previous international camp

Albania were beaten 5-1 at home by the Czechs last month, though they do have a win on the board in the group having opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory in Montenegro.

And Wilkinson has reiterated that Wales must get their performance right if they are to register a third win in their past four matches on Tuesday.

"I think they've got some really top players who are comfortable on the ball and who will hurt you if you don't do your job properly," she said.

"So we feel like it's a good opportunity to test ourselves against an opposition who, if at any moment you switch off, will punish you."