NATIONAL manager John Toshack has raised concerns about the lack of progress made by his injured stars as preparations for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers gather pace.

Wales travel to Reykjavik and Rotterdam to play friendlies against Iceland and Holland on May 28 and June 1 respectively before a final warm-up against Georgia on August 20 ahead of the qualifiers, which start with a home tie against Azerbaijan on September 6.

And Toshack, speaking at a Sponsoredbyyou.com event organised by Wales team sponsor Nationwide Building Society, says the clock is ticking for the likes of Gwent duo Danny Gabbidon and James Collins and captain Craig Bellamy to prove their fitness.

"We were hoping that they'd all be fit but Craig Bellamy is one of a few who have been out for some time now," he said.

"It's a bit worrying really. We haven't had too many positive things come out of West Ham at all recently, not to be detrimental towards them, they're just telling us like it is.

"James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Bellamy have been out for long periods, as has Gareth Bale at Tottenham and they are four of the first names on the team sheet usually.

"We're talking about long-term injuries and we just don't seem to be any further down the line with them and it's obviously concerning us.

"There has been no news on Danny, no significant improvement," he added.

"The clock is ticking a little bit before these World Cup games and, without wishing to sound too despondent, we're not really in too healthy a situation.

"We're hoping that Bale, Bellamy and Gabbidon will be fit after the summer break and Collins might just make the September games."

Toshack also spoke about two of his brightest young stars who will be appearing at Wembley on May 17 when Cardiff City take on Portsmouth in the FA Cup final.

Tosh has no doubts about Joe Ledley's quality but warned under-21 star Aaron Ramsey, linked to Everton, Arsenal and Manchester United, not to leave the Bluebirds too soon.

"Joe Ledley, although he hasn't reached his 21st birthday yet, is approaching maturity," said Toshack.

"He's played nearly 20 times for us now and he's suffered a little bit in Croke Park and Poland away but you expect that with the young guys. He's done well overall and I'm sure he'll push on.

"Ramsey has been played in one or two different positions and he's done well but he's still very young. I think it's a bit early for him to move on yet.

"The most important thing if they move up a level is that they play. We'd rather they stayed in the Championship and played regularly."