Wales manager Chris Coleman defends Jack Collison and James Collins

Wales manager Chris Coleman has said that the withdrawals of Jack Collison and James Collins from the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina are justified.

The West Ham United duo pulled out of the match with knee and hernia injuries respectively, which has drawn criticism from former Wales international Mickey Thomas.

Coleman told reporters: "I have seen Mickey's comments, he is paid to give his opinion but I don't agree.

"Collison has had a serious knee problem, not for six months or 12 months, but for two or three years, now he needs a complete rest.

"James Collins, we think, has a hernia problem which may need surgery, he can't play. He limped off in a friendly in Portugal for West Ham so he can't play."

Wales take on Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday at the Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli.