EVANS MAKES SHOCK DEBUT
Mark Currie - Daily Post

WREXHAM defender Steve Evans will make his debut for Wales tonight less than 48 hours after being called up to John Toshack's squad.

The 27-year-old centre-back, who just six months ago was playing in the Welsh Premier with TNS, gets his chance because injuries have robbed the Wales boss of the services of Mark Delaney, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Gareth Bale for the Racecourse friendly against Liechtenstein tonight.

But Toshack, who brought Evans into the camp on Sunday afternoon, said: "Due to the fact I am without what would probably be my first-choice back four, Steve will get his chance.

"When the door closes on some, it opens for others.

"I've seen Wrexham two or three times this season and Steve has impressed me on each occasion.

"I know the level of football is considerably different, but over the years Wales have always had to pick players from lower league clubs and, invariably, they have not let us down.

"Steve will be playing on his own ground in front of his club's fans and his height will be useful at set-pieces, which are an important part of football today.

Evans, who learned of his selection minutes after completing yesterday's training session at Wrexham's Colliers Park complex, admitted he had ever since been walking around with a permanent smile on his face.

"It's come completely out of the blue, so I'm chuffed to bits," he said. "It's a big jump for me in the space of six months, especially since I only made my debut for Wrexham at the beginning of this season."

A former trainee at West Bromwich Albion, where he failed to make the grade, Evans spent seven years at TNS before joining Wrexham last summer and he said a Wales cap was the fulfillment of a dream.

"You always hope this sort of thing is going to happen, but realistically it was unlikely," he added.

"I owe (TNS manager) Ken McKenna a great deal because he always believed in my ability and I'm grateful as well to Denis Smith for giving me a chance with Wrexham.

"I know it's going to be a big step-up for me again, but it's great to win recognition for playing well at Wrexham.

"Now I've got to keep giving my best and if that takes me into a higher level of football I would love to have that opportunity.

"I had a word with Denis Smith after training today and he simply told me to relax and enjoy the game."

EVANS MAKES THE GRADE
Richard Williams - Wrexham Evening Leader

DENIS SMITH believes Steve Evans' inclusion in the Wales squad for tomorrow's friendly against Liechtenstein at The Racecourse is thoroughly deserved.

Wrexham defender Evans was yesterday called-up by Wales manager John Toshack following the withdrawal of West Ham United's James Collins and Southampton's Gareth Bale due to injury.

Evans, who joins team-mates Chris Llewellyn and Mark Jones in the squad, has turned in some impressive performances for Wrexham since signing from Welsh Premier League champions TNS in the summer and Reds' boss Smith is delighted that the 27-year-old's efforts have been recognised.

"Steve did not have the best of pre-seasons, had a good start to the season, dipped when he was playing with different partners but has been playing well now that Shaun Pejic is back," said Smith today.

"Steve is still learning his trade but will get better. He can play the game and has handled the step up. Everything has been different to Steve but he has settled in. The lad can have a good future if he keeps improving. People say he has come into the game late but he's still got another eight years.

"John (Toshack) has seen Steve play and obviously impressed him. Good centre-halves are hard to find and Steve has good aerial ability, is comfortable on the left or right at centre-back, can pass well and controls the game, so he has got a lot going for him."

Evans admitted he was shocked when told of the call-up.

"I was out with my daughter when I got the call and could hardly believe it," Evans told the club website. "It is going to be a great experience, but one I was hardly expecting."

Jones has been named in a number of senior squads but has yet to be handed his full international debut, and the Reds' midfielder hopes to feature at some stage tomorrow on his home ground.

"It is nice being involved with Wales and I am going to enjoy it. I was not expecting to be in the squad but I was delighted to be called-up, so I am looking forward to training with the best players in Wales. You can only learn from it," Jones said today.

"It would be nice to play some part, especially with the game being in Wrexham. A lot of friends and family will be watching - so fingers crossed."

Jones and Evans both helped Wrexham beat Conference side Stevenage Borough 1-0 in the first round of the FA Cup at The Racecourse on Saturday, with Danny Williams scoring the winning goal.

And Jones admitted it was important to progress in the competition, with Wrexham handed a second round tie at either Scunthorpe United or CheltenhamTown, and he hopes the Reds can build on Saturday's victory.

"A win was the main thing to get in the hat for the next round, so everyone's happy with that. Perhaps the last 20 minutes we were hanging on a little bit but the back-four were solid. It could have been more than 1-0 as we had chances but a win is all that matters.

"The league is the main priority but this is a platform to build on. It would be nice to have good run in the cup though. Since I have been a professional it seems we have gone out in the first round."

* Tickets are on sale from the ticket office for the match at The Racecourse, which kicks-off at 7.45pm.

Supporters can also pay cash on the night at turnstiles for most areas of the ground and are urged to arrive early to avoid congestion.

General Admission - £16.50 Mold Road Stand; £8.80 - Kop

Family Stand (Eric Roberts Stand) - £11.00 - Adults; £5.50 - Children

Note - there is a maximum of two Adults with each child.

The middle two sections of the Mold Road Stand are reserved for ticket holders only.