THE unlucky Steve Evans lasted only 17 minutes of this afternoon's match with Hereford United before he hobbled to the bench and was replaced by Shaun Pejic.

The giant defender looks likely to miss linking up with the Wales squad on Monday for their games against both Germany in Cardiff next Saturday and away in Slovenia the following midweek.

The injury appears to be a reoccurance of the ankle injury that he originally suffered in the last minute of the pre-season friendly at Newtown, and which he had further problems with in the reserve team outing at Airbus UK where he lasted only a few minutes.

In his press conference following the defeat to the Bulls, boss Brian Carey explained the present situation: "Steve Evans went over on his ankle again, the same injury that he picked up at Newtown. The guy landed on him and went over on his ankle, and so we'll have to see how is later today and tomorrow, before he is due to join up with the Wales squad on Monday. However, at this moment, I would say that it is extremely unlikely that he will be fit enough to do that."