From Graham Thomas in Dinard
Hal Robson-Kanu insists he is fit for Wales’ Euro 2016 opener on Saturday – although he is likely to be on the bench.
Like Joe Ledley, it looked a remote possibility a week ago that Robson-Kanu would make Saturday’s game in Bordeaux as he was struggling to overcome an Achilles tendon injury.
But intensive treatment has enabled the Reading striker to play catch-up with the rest of the squad and the player who was a key figure in the early stages of the qualification campaign says he will be ready to face Slovakia.
He said: “I actually ruptured the plantaris (a muscle running almost alongside the achilles tendon) and apparently it’s impressive to come back so soon.
“But I was always confident I would be fine even if a few people around me were panicking. It was an innocuous one, no-one was to blame for it. I’ve not had to have pain-killing injections or anything, just get on with the hard work and I feel ready to start.
“I’ll definitely be available for the squad and I’m a fit player and the manager knows that.”
Robson-Kanu, 27, is something of a cult figure with Wales fans, although injuries have restricted his opportunities and he won his last cap in the 2-0 victory over Andorra last October.
Manager Chris Coleman is keen to press Joe Allen into action, but is concerned that leaning on too many recently-injured performers, could prove a risky strategy in his opening game of the group stages.
With that in mind, Robson-Kanu’s role up front is likely to be given to Burnley striker Sam Vokes, although the former has not given up hope of convincing Coleman he should start as the workman who creates space for Gareth Bale.
“I want to be out there after my contribution in qualifying. It’s a tough role, you have to create space for others and be quite mobile to occupy the defenders, especially with the players we’ve got who can cause damage,
“It’s an important role that requires a lot of running but I’m more than happy to do that for the nation.
“It can help bring more out of Gareth, that’s the idea behind it, as well as the likes of Ramsey. It’s a role I enjoy, but playing it is tough and not many players can do it, but the rewards for the side are there.
“You have to give it 100% and the Sweden game reminded us that we have to be 100% at this level.”
