Natasha Harding: Wales centurion left out of World Cup play-off squad
- Published
Forward Natasha Harding has scored 26 goals in 103 games for Wales
Natasha Harding has been left out of Wales' World Cup play-off squad for personal reasons.
Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, 6 October at the Cardiff City Stadium with the winner travelling to Switzerland on Tuesday, 11 October.
Aston Villa forward Harding, 33, is a key performer for Wales and has won 103 caps, scoring 26 goals.
"Tash is unavailable for this game due to personal reasons," confirmed Wales manager Gemma Grainger.
"It's a decision made by the FAW (Football Association of Wales). We felt it was the right decision both for the individual and the team.
"Our player care team and our safeguarding team are absolutely offering and making sure that support plan is in place for her.
"That would be in place for any individual. One of the things we want to focus on in this team is that every individual, whether member of staff or player, has that support they need whether off the pitch or on it."
In April, Harding became only the eighth player to play 100 times for Wales.
Wales are bidding to qualify for a major tournament for the first time after finishing second in their World Cup qualification group.
The two best-ranked play-off final winners will secure places at the 2023 World Cup, with the other victorious side going into inter-continental play-offs, which take place next February.
Wales are likely to be the side headed to the inter-continental play-offs, should they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland.
Harding captained Reading last season but left in June after five years with the Royals, joining Women's Super League side Aston Villa in July.
The ex-Manchester City and Liverpool forward played in every WSL game for Reading last season but has yet to feature for her new club.
Harding was Wales' joint-top goalscorer in qualifying, scoring five goals in Group I.
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