Fulham midfielder Mark Pembridge has called time on his international career with Wales.
Pembridge’s announcement comes after The Football Association of Wales unveiled John Toshack as the team’s new coach.
The former Everton man has been mulling over his future with Wales for several weeks and has opted to follow Gary Speed and Andy Melville into retirement. He made his debut in 1991 against Brazil and won 54 caps during his 13-year career with the national team. Pembridge feels it is time to hand over the baton to some of the country’s younger talent.
He said in a statement: “After discussions with my family and close friends, it is with deep regret that I would like to announce my immediate retirement from international football. Since making my debut for Wales in 1991 it has been both an honour and a privilege to represent my country at the highest level.
However, at this stage of my career I feel it is now time to step aside and give younger players the privileged opportunity to play for the Welsh national team. The past 13 years have been very special and have given me some of the most memorable moments of my career.”
