MARK Hughes has given the strongest hint yet that Newport-born hitman Nathan Blake (pictured) will partner burly John Hartson up-front for Wales in their Millennium Stadium friendly against the Czech Republic later this month.

A knee injury to potent Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy means Hughes is set to look to Wolverhampton Wanderers star Blake, who has fired in ten goals this season and helped the Midlanders to the summit of Division One and within touching distance of the Premiership.

Hughes said: "Nathan is very much part of my thinking and he always has been. "He has played in the vast majority of the games I have been involved in. I have got a lot of time for Nathan and respect for his ability.

"He's playing in a good side and scoring goals and will prove a handful for any defence." Ex-Cardiff City man Blake, 30, has scored four goals in 21 internationals and 129 goals in 391 first class games, including ten in 32 league games for Wolves this term.

Hughes added: "Craig has been outstanding and playing at the top of his form and his absence hurts Wales as much as it hurts Newcastle. We wanted him and Hartson to play together as we build for the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, but he must get himself right before he comes back".

The Wales manager has named a larger than usual 26-man squad - with seven on stand-by - for the friendly on March 27.

"It is a large squad because there are doubts about a number of players," Hughes admitted.

Newcastle's Wales captain Gary Speed, Cardiff striker Robert Earnshaw and Crystal Palace defender Kit Symons are all doubtful.

Wales squad : P Jones, M Crossley, D Ward , D Coyne, M Delaney, S Jenkins, A Melville, K Symons, R Page, D Gabbidon, D Barnard, J Robinson, J Koumas, A Johnson, M Pembridge, S Davies, C Robinson, R Savage, N Blake, G Speed, C Bellamy, G Taylor, R Earnshaw, I Roberts, J Hartson, R Giggs.