Ratcliffe blasts Wales' Hammers pair

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The ex-Everton defender spoke as pressure grew on Wales boss John Toshack ahead of tomorrow's potential banana-skin in San Marino and attacked experienced members of the Welsh squad for failing to pull their weight following a shambolic 3-1 capitulation in Cyprus.

Toshack wondered out loud whether he should stay in charge after the defeat in Nicosia that left Welsh football reeling.

Ratcliffe said: "This squad of players is the weakest ever. And there are one or two who are letting us down. Someone needs to be there for the youngsters. The experienced ones should be setting an example.

"Look at Gareth Bale, Lewin Nyatanga, Joe Ledley and Chris Morgan. The seniors gave them nothing on Saturday. And, in a way, they are letting us down, too.

"I'm not talking about Craig Bellamy — you don't doubt his passion. But Danny Gabbidon and James Collins, for example. They are both playing Premier League football. It was one of the worst defensive displays I've ever seen.

"That pair have played 20 games apiece — at least — and Gabbidon has captained his country. They have to show more responsibility."

Gabbidon said: "For people to say that I don't care is nonsense. It's not that I don't care; it's the opposite. I was disappointed with the goals we conceded and I thought we could do a lot better. That's why I was frustrated."