Moore trying best to appear armless
KIEFFER TO CHANGE HIS STYLE AFTER BOOKINGS
WALES match-winner Kieffer Moore admits he must change his game after being booked for a third straight international.
The 6ft 5in Cardiff frontman will now miss the crucial penultimate World Cup qualifier at home to Belarus next month.
Moore, who made his Wales debut in 2019, took his tally for his country to seven after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win over Estonia on Monday night.
But he has amassed nine yellow cards in 23 international appearances.
Moore has often attracted unwanted attention from referees for his dominant aerial style, which also saw him go in the book during the 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic last week.
In a bid to avoid scrutiny from referees, he is now trying to head the ball without using his arms for leverage.
“It is frustrating,” admitted the 29-year-old Moore.
“It is not ideal but it is down to me to adapt and not get myself in these situations.
“In internationals, referees never really give you too much leeway. It is about adapting to that. I am super-conscious every time I go for an aerial challenge and head it. I just get my body there and mentally try not to do too much – it takes some getting used to.”
Moore was even penalised after a second-half clash in Tallinn that left him with a bloodied nose and later saw him substituted with blurred vision.
He says he is often unsure of the reason for his cautions.
Asked why he received his latest yellow card, Moore said: “I couldn’t tell you – I put my arms by my side.
“You would have to ask the ref. I know they will be having words on the side when these challenges are happening.”
Moore’s absence against Belarus will be offset by skipper Gareth Bale’s expected return from a hamstring injury. Wales need four points from their final two games to clinch second spot in Group E and a better play-off draw.
Moore, who will be eligible to play at home against Belgium in their final qualifier on November 16, added: “We have missed Gaz. He is our talisman and we can’t wait to have him back.
“He brings a massive impetus to our team.”
Wales successfully deployed a 3-5-2 formation in Prague and Tallinn.
But manager Rob Page admits he may change it next month to utilise Bale, above, who tends to play on the right in a 4-23-1 shape.
Page revealed: “I have been pleased with it for this camp but it might be different for the next one.
“You want all your players to be fit and then you pick a formation and a team which you think is going to give you your best chance to win.”