Injured Allen omitted from Wales squad

Joe Allen will miss both of Wales' UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers with Cyprus and Israel after failing to recover in time from a hamstring injury.

The Liverpool midfielder has been omitted by Chris Coleman as Wales look to strengthen their grip on a top-two place in Group B, and earn their place at a major tournament for the first time since 1958.

"We were optimistic on Joe for the Israel match, until recently," Coleman explained. "He's had a little setback."

Allen's absence has handed Dave Edwards an international recall, while there are also returns to Coleman's 23-man squad for defenders James Collins and Ben Davies – who replace Paul Dummett and Adam Matthews.

Liverpool youngster Jordan Williams – who is currently on loan at Swindon Town – has earned his first call-up after impressing Coleman in the opening weeks of the 2015-16 campaign.