Wales need to 'be clever' in handling of Fishlock

Jess Fishlock has won trophies in five different countries in her playing career

Former Wales striker Gwennan Harries says Jess Fishlock should be handled "a bit cleverly" after being named in the squad for the Women's European Championship play-off double-header with Slovakia.

Manager Rhian Wilkinson has confirmed Fishlock – Wales' most-capped player and record scorer - is available to play despite not featuring for club side Seattle Reign since early September because of a leg injury.

Wilkinson has hinted Fishlock might only be able to play a reduced role and Harries feels Wales should prioritise ensuring Fishlock does not aggravate her injury.

"It's crucial that Jess is fit. I know she's struggling a little bit at the moment, she hasn't played for her club side for a good number of games now,” Harries told BBC Radio Wales.

Harries, capped 56 times by Wales before a knee injury ended her career prematurely, feels Wales should have the pedigree to beat Slovakia with or without Fishlock.

Wilkinson’s side face Slovakia on Friday, 25 October in Poprad and on Tuesday, 29 October at Cardiff City Stadium.

The winner of the tie will face either the Republic of Ireland or Georgia later this year for a place in the finals in Switzerland next summer.

Harries believes Fishlock being fully fit for the play-off final should be Wales’ priority.

"I think Jess is trying to get back as quickly as she possibly can," Harries added.

"I do think it's a priority. She's said on numerous occasions that the one massive thing missing from her resume is playing in a major tournament for Wales.

"I think she'll give her all, but I do think Wales need to be a bit clever about it because you don't want her to play in the first game and get injured and not be available for the second game."

Harries feels Wales should have enough to beat Slovakia even without Fishlock and fellow cap centurion Sophie Ingle, who has just undergone knee surgery and will be out for many months.

"Wales are clear favourites for these two games, without a shadow of a doubt," Harries said.

"They won their qualifying group in League B. Because they won their group they had a better draw, so they are actually playing a team that finished third in their group, Slovakia.

"Slovakia only won one of their group games out of the six.

"You look at the squad; yes, Wales have got a couple of players unfortunately missing, the likes of Sophie Ingle who only two weeks ago had her surgery on her ACL, but there's enough depth there I think to get through this first lot of games."