Jess Fishlock 'surprised' by Wales omission

Jess Fishlock will not retire from Wales duty despite missing out on Jayne Ludlow's first squad

Jess Fishlock says she was "surprised" to be left out of new manager Jayne Ludlow's first squad for the Istria Cup friendly tournament in Croatia.

Ludlow succeeded Jarmo Matikainen in October and picked Sophie Ingle ahead of 82-cap Fishlock, 28, citing a desire to blood new players.

Fishlock admits the Croatia event "is a good opportunity" for Ludlow to achieve her aims.

"I was disappointed at the time; still am a little bit," said Fishlock.

"But Jayne's come out and given her reasons and I respect that and I hope she gets out of it what she intends and what she wants to get out of it.

"I hope they do really well and that's kind of where I am right now."

When announcing her first squad, Ludlow said Fishlock, 28, still had a future with Wales.

The Seattle Reign player, who is on loan at Frankfurt, told BBC Radio Wales that despite being left out of the international squad, she is not considering quitting Wales.

"I have no intention to retire," said Fishlock.

"I think anyone who's represented their country and had the honour to do that, they don't tend to walk away from it.

"No it definitely will not be, or I hope it won't be, my last time.

"I won't be retiring and I'm still very much available to play for my country."

Wales narrowly failed to reach the World Cup play-offs after losing their final qualifying game 1-0 against Ukraine in September 2014.

The draw for the Euro 2017 qualifying groups will be held in April.

WALES WOMEN'S SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Alice Evans (Bristol Academy); Jo Price (Unattached) Defenders: Kylie Davies (Reading FC Women); Loren Dykes (Bristol Academy); Nicola Cousins (Yeovil Town Ladies); Nia Jones (Cardiff City Ladies); Kayleigh Green (Cardiff City Ladies); Lauren Townsend (Bristol Academy); Sophie Ingle (Bristol Academy); Ffion Price (Cyncoed Ladies); Cori Williams (Cardiff City Ladies) Midfielders: Angharad James (Bristol Academy); Laura-May Walkley (Reading FC Women); Helen Bleazard (Yeovil Town Ladies); Michelle Green (Cardiff City Ladies); Sarah Wiltshire (Manchester City Women); Charlie Estcourt (Reading FC Women); Rachel Rowe (Swansea City Ladies) Forwards: Natasha Harding (Washington Spirit); Helen Ward (Reading FC Women); Melissa Fletcher (Reading FC Women); Emily Hollinshead (Everton Ladies).