Well it has been a while since Mark Delaney has graced a Welsh shirt - almost a year in fact. He stood out as the excellent defender he is against a strong Czech side on their own turf and although the 2-1 defeat in Teplice still hurts me and many Welsh today, it was a performance to remember from Mark. Sadly, that will be his last game for Wales as he has announced with heavy heart that after a torrid campaign of injury after injury, he could no longer rest his hopes on a return. During his absence from playing for Aston Villa and Wales he has even visited the expert sports knee specialist, Dr. Richard Steadman, who was also seen by fellow Welsh international Craig Bellamy not so long ago. However despite the hope that Mark would return to bolster a young defence, it now seems that one of Wales' finest defenders will only be watching from the stands.Delaney's journey to the Premiership is one which amazes me every time I hear it. Straight out of Haverfordwest, he played for Welsh Premier team Carmarthen Town before charting a meteoric move to the capital playing for Cardiff City. He soon found himself playing for Premiership Villa and quickly became a key figure in the side. He was also a favourite among the fans and won the approval of the managers who came to and fro over the years through the Villa Park revolving door. The Birmingham team's latest boss and managerial genius, Martin O'Neill, had particular respect for him and it was a shame that he was never really able to include Mark in his plans. He was enthusiastic to play for Wales and wore the red shirt with a particular sense of pride and purpose. He played in the historic 2-1 win over Italy at the Millennium Stadium and played a blinder then too.
I was already longing for his return especially as next month we face both Germany (home) and then Slovakia (away) and he would have inspired a fine performace from what is currently a largely young and inexperienced back four. Gabbs and Delaney were always the real bosses in the defence during the Hughes era and to see one of them leaving the game now when Wales are starting to take shape in the Toshack years is a real blow. But we are Wales - Cyd Chwarae, Gorau Chwarae - we will play on. But here is a big thanks for you Mark and all the best for you in a potential coaching career. Get on the blower and have a word with Chris Coleman in San Sebastian- I'm sure he'll hook you up and I hear the weather is nice!
