UNDER-PRESSURE Wales boss John Toshack has been handed another hammer blow after a star trio of Premier League players withdrew from his squad for Saturday’s friendly with Scotland.

Aston Villa centre-back James Collins (groin), Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy (knee) and Fulham midfielder Simon Davies (foot) have all pulled out of the Cardiff City Stadium clash.

The trio have all skippered their country in recent months and their withdrawals leave Toshack again turning to an inexperienced core. It is the loss of Newport-born defender Collins, who has made a terrific start to his career with the Villans since moving from West Ham, that is the biggest blow to Toshack as he faces a defensive headache.

Hammers centre-back Danny Gabbidon is also a major doubt and has not played for six weeks because of hip and calf troubles.

The 30-year-old from Cwmbran has not yet pulled out but there are question marks over his involvement and Wales medical staff will assess him when he reports for duty today.

Blackpool duo David Vaughan and Neal Eardley also pulled out yesterday and Nottingham Forest’s Newport-born full-back Chris Gunter (virus) and Leicester midfielder Andy King (wrist) are also doubts.

Toshacks has recalled Forest striker Rob Earnshaw and young Swansea midfielder Joe Allen as cover as well uncapped pair Adam Matthews, the 17-year-old right-back impressing at Cardiff City, and Andy Dorman, the 27-year-old St Mirren midfielder.

Chester-born Dorman is the first player to be named in a senior home nations squad under the new school rule that allows British passport holders to represent any of the four nations, provided they were educated in that country for five years.

Like Toshack, Scotland manager George Burley is under fire after his side failed to qualify for the World Cup following a string of tame displays.

And he has also been hit by injury after Sunderland’s £9million goalkeeper Craig Gordon fractured his left forearm against Tottenham on Saturday while Rangers defender Steven Whittaker is a doubt.

The Scots, who will be backed by a 4,000-strong Tartan Army at the first international game at Cardiff City’s new home, travel down to Wales this afternoon.