Wales midfielder Joe Allen: 'There are no more excuses'

Joe Allen has insisted that his Wales side have no more excuses as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

Chris Coleman's team have made a poor start to their bid to qualify for a first World Cup finals in more than 60 years.

Welsh frustration was compounded by a humiliating 6-1 defeat in Serbia last month, heaping extra pressure on Coleman's side to perform against the Scots on Friday.

Liverpool midfielder Allen told the Daily Star that Wales are desperate to change their fortunes in an open qualifying group.

He said: "We shoulder that responsibility and there are no excuses now for us from now on.

"We've had the time to reflect on past performances and we are looking forward to being able to set the record straight.

"Our preparations have been perfect, but then, on a football pitch, it is down to us to perform as players."

Welsh attitudes to last month's results have been highlighted by manager Coleman's decision to strip Aaron Ramsey of the captaincy, handing the armband to Swansea City defender Ashley Williams.