Cardiff City International Round-Up

Left Out for Eire
By Chris O'Brien
October 13 2003

Seven Cardiff City players were called up for international duty over the weekend. Here is a round-up of how they all got on, and how their respective nations during the final weekend of the European Championship qualification games.

Cardiff City International Round-Up

Who would have thought it? 7 Cardiff City players were called up for international duty for matches over the weekend, and 5 of them were in action! Here's a round-up of how the City lads did as they took to the World stage!   Wales 2-3 Serbia & Montenegro - Robert Earnshaw, Rhys Weston and Daniel Gabbidon     Robert Earnshaw, Rhys Weston and Daniel Gabbidon all started for Wales, as any slim chance of automatic qualification died with a disappointing 3-2 defeat at the hands of a powerful Serbia & Montenegro side. Zvominir Vukic gave the visitors the leave, as Paul Jones made a mess of his free-kick, but Celtic attacker and former Jack John Hartson equalised from the penalty spot.     Savo Milosevic and Danijel Ljuboja made it 3-1 to the Serbs as Wales fell away in the second-half, but Robert Earnshaw earned consolation for Wales with his first competitive international goal in stoppage time. Italy's 4-0 demolition of Azerbaijan had made the result all-but irrelevant, but it is now 6 matches without a win for the Welsh, not the best of form to head into the playoffs with!     Weston undoubtedly had his best performance in the Welsh shirt with an impressive display, but Danny Gabbidon did not make such an impact and looked too relaxed at times. Robert Earnshaw didn't have much to do throughout the game, but it was nice to see him on the scoresheet! Scotland 1-0 Lithuania - Neil Alexander     It was a great day for the Scots, as Manchester United youngster Darren Fletcher scored the only goal of the gritty match against Lithuania, leading the home side into the playoffs. City's 'keeper Neil Alexander once again warmed the bench for Scotland, as his frustrating wait for a cap for his country continues to drag on. Switzerland 2-0 Republic of Ireland - Graham Kavanagh     Graham Kavanagh's excellent performances in the Cardiff City shirt so far this season earned the former Middlesbrough midfielder a place in the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial final qualification match against Switzerland.     Unfortunately for the City skipper he was not even named on the bench for the Irish, as they were easily beaten 2-0 by the Swiss, meaning they missed a place in the play-offs to Russia. Brazil 1-0 Jamaica - Richard Langley     A clause in Richard Langley's contract forced the midfielder to end his international career at the age of just 23, but fortunately common sense prevailed and he was allowed to be included in the Jamaica squad for this glamour friendly against Brazil held at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium.     Langley played 77 minutes against the World Champions in a game that was very one-sided for the Brazilians. Langley battled hard in the midfield, but his side were beaten by Robert Carlos's wonder strike.     City's £250,000 signing as looked a bit disheartened since arriving at Ninian Park, but hopefully the resurrection of his international career will give him the boost he needs to become a more influential character in the Bluebirds midfield. Wales Under-21's 0-1 Serbia & Montenegro Under-21's - James Collins The Wales Under-21's miserable qualification campaign ended with a familiar loss at Jenner Park. ? grabbed the only goal for the Serbians in front of the small crowd at Barry Town's ground.     James Collins showed a spirited display in defence, but defeat was always inevitable for Wales and they finish the 8-game group stages with only seven points.

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