James Collins denies Wales snub

West Ham United defender James Collins has denied claims that he refused to answer a Wales call-up for the World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

National team coach Chris Coleman alleged that the centre-back turned down the opportunity to join the squad and questioned the player's attitude.

"I was not contacted by Chris Coleman or anyone at the FAW to request I join up with the squad," BBC Sport quotes him as saying. "Had I been asked I would have gladly represented my country."

With Ashley Williams and Sam Ricketts ruled out through suspension and injury, Coleman was forced to play Ben Davies and Danny Gabbidon at the back in Collins's absence.

"I did have a conversation with Chris to try to seek clarification on why I had been left out of the initial squad for both the Macedonia and the Serbia matches - but at no stage did I state that I would refuse to play for Wales," he added.

"I am proud to come from Wales and even prouder to pull on the red shirt of my country so the suggestion that I would ever refuse to play for them is plainly wrong."

Wales lost the match 3-0, a result that saw them sink to the bottom of their qualifying group.