Davies retirement a blow for Wales

Wales manager John Toshack has suffered a blow ahead of Euro 2012 qualifying with the sudden retirement of experienced midfielder Simon Davies.

The Football Association of Wales announced on Sunday night the 30-year-old had called time on his 58-cap international career to concentrate on club affairs with Fulham. Davies had been included in Toshack's squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Luxembourg in Llanelli.

"During the last 18 months, Davies has been troubled with a foot injury and he has decided that in order to prolong his career, he will end his international commitments," read a statement from the FAW.

"The FAW would like to take the opportunity of thanking Simon for his service and wishes him well for the forthcoming season with Fulham."

Davies, who scored six goals for his country, last played for Wales against Sweden in March but that had been his first appearance in almost a year because of his injury problems.

Bristol City's on-loan Wolves striker Sam Vokes has also withdrawn from Toshack's latest squad due to a hamstring problem.

And in a further setback, Sheffield United striker Ched Evans could be doubtful after suffering an ankle injury in his side's npower Championship opener against Cardiff on Sunday. Evans has linked up with the squad but will not train on Monday.

Wales were already without Collins, Lewin Nyatanga, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Collison due to injury. Such problems are nothing new to Toshack, who was left with a threadbare squad for a friendly in Croatia in May.

The unavailability of seven players for that game was compounded by eight withdrawals and Toshack needed to draft in four of the Under-21s team to make up a squad of 17.

The FAW have not yet announced whether Toshack will call up any replacements to face Luxembourg.