PARRY - "I felt like a spare part with Wales" but does that excuse him?

PAUL PARRY revealed the reasons behind his shock decision to walk out on Wales just as they were preparing for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Russia - in which he was likely to play a key role - and his international retirement.

As per my initital thoughts on this blog yesterday, Paul has thrown his toys out of the pram just becuase he was a non-playing substitute in last weekend's victory over Azerbaijan and there are hints, which I've also had confirmed privately, of Parry being the latest player to not have respect for strict old school manager John Toshack.

Some Cardiff City fans are offering their sympathies because he is a Bluebird, some due to a dislike of Toshack continuing to alienate key men but my wrath remains for Parry himself.

I'll always respect him as a Cardiff City player but I'll never respect his actions here. John Toshack stood by Parry while he, self-imposed, ruled hiself out of playing for Wales for 18 months. He was welcomed back and stood to play tomorrow in a vital game.

Toshack, undoubtedly, is a difficult man for modern day footballers to get along with. It is particularly noticeable how a significant number of older players have fallen out with him but Parry, and players of his ilk, show a shocking lack of commitment to the cause.

It's the curse of the modern player. Four years ago, Parry would have crawled from Ninian Park to Millennium Stadium to play for his country regardless of manager. Now he has big money, flash car, property and a glamorous WAG, he has forgotten where he's come from.

Hopefully, Parry will now concentrate on Cardiff City although he's not being selected as a striker which is where he'd wish to play and isn't an automatic start. Wonder if he'll sulk next time Dave Jones drops him?

Parry: ‘I felt like a spare part in Wales camp’

WalesOnline