WALES manager Mark Hughes announces his squad on Monday to face Scotland in next month's friendly at the Millennium Stadium.

And the future international careers of three Gwent stars hang in the balance as Hughes prepares his squad for the forthcoming World Cup campaign.

For Newport's Nathan Blake, Paul Parry (pictured) and James Collins, Mark Hughes' decision will be crucial.

Blake has revealed to the Argus that if he is not in the squad to face Scotland, he will retire from international football.

"I'm still considering my future but I'll wait until the next squad announcement before deciding whether to carry on," said Blake.

So, if Hughes doesn't pick the Wolves striker, then his 15 minute cameo against Russia in the semi-final play-off defeat could well be his last international game.

However, the Argus understands that Cardiff City's new signing Paul Parry will be named in Monday's squad.

Newport-born Parry had made only a handful of appearance for City but Hughes wants to use the forthcoming games to decide whether many of his new recruits are capable of playing top football before the qualifying campaign kicks-off in September.

Certainly, Parry's former semi-pro international boss Brian Coyne feels the winger can make the step-up.

Coyne said: "I know Paul really well through the semi-pro side and he is real quality. He has always worked hard and had a professional attitude. He deserves his move.

"Paul has served his apprenticeship at Hereford and is more than ready to make the step up.

"He's a player who is at the right age and it is the right time for him to make his move. Cardiff have done themselves a great bit of business." So, with that in mind, another Newport born player - James Collins - may well be included.

The Cardiff City defender is undoubtedly a huge talent and again Hughes may well choose this game to see if Collins can make the step up from the Under-21s to senior football.

Hughes is also expected to include former England Under-21 international Ben Thatcher who has switched allegiances to the Principality.

UEFA are still deciding to whether to give Thatcher the green light to play for Wales.

The decision is expected in the next fortnight so Hughes is expected to take a risk and name Thatcher in the hope that he'll be eligible by February 18.