Toshack praise for Evans

Last updated : 08 February 2007 By Dylan Gallacher
Wales and Wrexham centre-back Steve Evans
Toshack has regularly turned to Wrexham talent
Wales manager John Toshack lauded centre-back Steve Evans' ability to shine in adversity after the 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland in Belfast.

"Steve's in a difficult situation at the bottom of the league with Wrexham, but he's come into our last two games and not put a foot wrong," he said.

"He handled all the aerial stuff and has shown he can step up a level.

"I hope all the Wrexham lads will get a boost from the time with Wales because they've work to do back at the club."

Evans won his second cap in the friendly and was joined in the squad by fellow Dragons Ryan Valentine and Chris Llewellyn, while Mike Ingham came on as a second-half substitute for Northern Ireland.

We obviously want to see Wrexham pulling out of this situation

John Toshack

Injured Wrexham midfielder Mark Jones is another international, the youngster thought to have a big future with Wales.

The Dragons fell into the League Two relegation zone for the first time this season on Saturday after their 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.

Toshack has regularly dipped into the Wrexham squad during his time in charge, and says relegation to the Conference would be a bitter blow.

"When the season started, I thought Wrexham had the best chance of the Welsh clubs of going up - which goes to show how much I know," he said.

"We obviously want to see Wrexham pulling out of this situation.

"Hopefully next season they can have a real go at getting promotion, but it's a very delicate situation at the moment."