Saunders: Facilities fail the test

Dean Saunders is a consistent performer for Wales

Dean Saunders has insisted Wales' preparations for the vital World Cup qualifier against Armenia on Saturday will not be impaired by the countries poor training facilities.

Wales assistant coach Mark Bowen flew out to the former Russian state on a fact-finding mission early this year.

And according to Saunders, Bowen was not too impressed with what he saw.

"He said the training facilities weren't the best," said the Bradford City striker.

"He looked at a few pitches to train on, and they were cabbage patches really.

"But the hotel we're staying in is fine, and we've got our own chefs with us so the food will be fine."

Competitive

Playing in a largely unknown country is not a new experience for Saunders having recently travelled with Wales to Moldova, Georgia and Belarus.

"It's not too bad - we'll just get in there, try to get through training as well as we can and then just get on with it," he said.

Armenia currently lie bottom of Group Five, with one point from three matches.

But that point came thanks to a 0-0 draw in Norway, and they led 2-0 against Ukraine after 40 minutes before eventually losing 3-2.

Mistakes

"They're a better team than people give them credit for, so we've got a tough game on our hands," added Saunders.

"They're a good attacking team but leave a few gaps at the back.

"So if we can keep a clean sheet we can take advantage of any of their mistakes."

Wales' defensive record has certainly improved under new manager Mark Hughes, but scoring goals has become a problem.

Saunders has not played as regularly as he would have liked for Bradford this season, but with 22 international goals to his name, Wales have always been able to depend on Saunders to find the net.

"Hopefully I'll get a game - the team hasn't been picked yet," said the 73 capped forward.

"But I'll do my best if I get a game. I think as a team we've got the better players."

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Wales squad to play Armenia in Yerevan on 24 March and Ukraine in Cardiff on 28 March:

P Jones (Southampton), Freestone (Swansea), Crossley (Nottm Forest), Ward (Notts County), Delaney (Aston Villa), S Jenkins (Huddersfield), Barnard (Barnsley), G Roberts (Tranmere), C Edwards (Nottm Forest), Legg (Cardiff), Melville, Symons (both Fulham), Page (Watford), J Robinson (Charlton), A Johnson (Nottm Forest), M Jones, Savage (both Leicester), Pembridge (Everton), C Robinson (Wolves), Speed (Newcastle), Saunders (Bradford), I Roberts (Norwich), Bellamy, Hartson (both Coventry), Blake (Blackburn), Giggs (Man Utd).