CRICKET STAFFORDSHIRE OPT TO APPOINT TWO CAPTAINS FOR CAMPAIGN

STOKE City’s loan winger Rabbi Matondo is one of three players to have been released from the Wales squad after breaching protocols. West Brom’s Hal Robsonkanu and Leeds striker Tyler Roberts were also sent back to their respective clubs. Matondo, who is on loan from Schalke04, has made six appearances for the Potters.

The trio have been released from camp, with Leeds striker Roberts apologising on social media - in a post which has since been deleted - for staying up too late and breaking a curfew at the team hotel.

An FAW statement yesterday said: “Three members of the Cymru senior national squad

- Hal Robson-kanu, Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts - have been released from the Welsh camp today after breaching FAW protocol. “The three players will be returning to their respective clubs. “The FAW will not be making any further comment.” Roberts and Matondo, aged 20, both started Saturday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Mexico in Cardiff, while West Brom striker Robson-kanu, aged 31, came on at half-time.

The three players were all hoping to be involved against the Czech Republic tonight as Wales seek to put their first 2022 World Cup qualifying points on the board after losing their opening game in Belgium last week. Roberts said, in the nowdeleted post: “Gutted to be leaving the camp early, but rules are rules and I shouldn’t have been up later in the hotel than the set time.

“Sorry to the team, staff and Wales fans. I will continue to work as hard as I can to earn my place in the squad for the euros.”

The three players being sent home is the latest blow for a Wales squad, who have been without manager Ryan Giggs for the last two international camps.

Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault on November 1. He denies the allegations and has had his bail extended until May 1.

Robert Page has taken control in Giggs’ absence, winning three, drawing one and losing one of his five games in caretaker charge.