Wales handed double boost

Jason Koumas and Rob Earnshaw have been passed fit to play for Wales in their World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

Wigan midfielder Koumas has been struggling with an ankle injury picked up in his club's 1-0 defeat against Chelsea a fortnight ago, but took part in full training on Thursday.

There was also good news for John Toshack over Nottingham Forest striker Earnshaw, who has also been given the all-clear after suffering recently with a hamstring problem.

Wales though will be without Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon, Freddy Eastwood and James Collins for their opening game of Group Four, which means Earnshaw may well be handed a start alongside teenage Manchester City forward Ched Evans.