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Search forWales skipper Davies calls for fans' support at Liberty
Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 09:00
Such has been the lack of interest in this evening's friendly clash with Georgia that only a few thousand tickets have been sold.
The game has been disrupted by doubts over Georgian travel plans caused by the conflict with Russia, injuries and the loss of many high-profile Welsh stars to an under-21 side that has a crucial 2009 qualifier against Romania in Wrexham on the same night.
But still FAW officials are understood to be frustrated by an apparent lack of interest in Swansea that could threaten the Liberty Stadium's future as a Welsh international venue.
Previous friendly internationals at the ground have also attracted modest crowds of just over 10,000 against Slovenia in August 2005 and 8,200 versus Bulgaria a year later.
This evening's attendance is likely to be lower than both of those figures, barring a late ticket surge.
"I'm from West Wales and I know there's a big interest in football there, said Davies, who hails from Haverfordwest.
"It makes it easier when there's a good crowd behind you. I hope the fans will come out and we'll try and put on a good show for them.
"It makes a massive difference to the players. I've played in front of the Millennium Stadium when it's half full and there's no atmosphere to speak of.
"A smaller stadium can generate a better atmosphere if it's full. Hopefully we can get enough people in.
"It's always good to move around the country; as a Welsh team we need support from all around Wales.
"This is the last game before the World Cup qualifiers and we're looking to go out on a high and put in a good performance."
Wales begin their bid to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a home match against Azerbaijan on September 6 before a trip to Moscow to face Russia four days later.
Tonight's game is manager John Toshack's last chance to run the rule over his side before that double-header.
But many front-line players, like Spurs defender Gareth Bale, Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, will not be involved, instead turning out for Brian Flynn's under-21 side as they attempt to secure a Euro 2009 play-off place.
Toshack has also lost central defensive trio James Collins (ligaments), Danny Gabbidon (groin) and Lewin Nyatanga (knee) through injury.
Regular skipper Craig Bellamy is also absent with a hamstring complaint, as is Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley with a back problem.
Aaron Davies and Brian Stock are also out injured, while Oldham striker Craig Davies has been axed from both the full and under-21 squads after being sent off for a head-butt last Tuesday.
Full-back Neal Eardley has been called up for the Liberty Stadium friendly, along with Neath-born teenage goalkeeper Rhys Taylor, who replaces the injured Lewis Price and has yet to make a senior appearance for club or country.
Swansea defender Ashley Williams is likely to start in the heart of defence alongside Peterborough's Craig Morgan, while midfielder Owain Tudur Jones is expected to begin on the bench.
Tickets are available from the Liberty Stadium ticket office: 08700 400004
Wales: (from) Myhill (Hull), Taylor (Chelsea), S Evans (Wrexham), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), Crofts (Gillingham), Eardley (Oldham), S Davies (Fulham), Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Tudur Jones, Collins (both Swansea), Koumas (Wigan), Parry (Cardiff), Robinson (Toronto), Vaughan (Blackpool), Earnshaw (Nottingham F), Easter (Plymouth), Eastwood (Coventry), Cotterill (Sheff Utd).
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