Oster in dark over Toshack snub

Last updated : 15 March 2007 By Angus Muller
Reading midfielder John Oster
Oster has been overlooked despite impressive form for Reading
Reading midfielder John Oster says he has no idea why he continues to be overlooked by Wales boss John Toshack.

Oster, 28, is one of a select few Welsh players with a Premiership club, but he has been omitted from the squad for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

He told the ICBerkshire website: "It's disappointing. He hasn't bothered to ring me or to explain the situation.

"It's frustrating when you see players in the Wales team who wouldn't get into our reserves side at Reading."

Oster played a pivotal part in Reading's Championship title victory last season, and has made 23 appearance for the Royals so far this season.

But he has not featured in any of Toshack's squad since he took over from Mark Hughes as Wales manager in November 2004.

And with two midfielders from League One and one from League Two selected in the Wales squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with the Republic of Ireland (24 March) and San Marino (28 March), Oster assumes his continued omission is down to non-footballing reasons.

"I wouldn't like to guess the reasons he has [overlooked me]," added Oster, who won the last of his 13 caps against Northern Ireland in 2004.

"The only consolation is that this has nothing to do with my footballing ability.

"It seems I'm not part of the plans. To be honest, I'm not sure whether I want to play under John Toshack anyway after everything that's happened."