Ex-Town pals eye Euro showdown

Shropshire mates Joe Hart and Dave Edwards could be in line for a crunch meeting in the UEFA under-21 European Championship play-offs when England take on Wales.The former Shrewsbury Town aces could clash as both sides bid to qualify for the finals in Sweden next June.

The first leg will be in Wales on either October 10 or 11 with the second leg following on October 14 or 15 - at venues to be announced.

Hart and Edwards came through the junior ranks together at Town - and both have been involved for their respective under-21s sides during the group stages.

But there is a chance either or both of them could be involved instead for their respective senior sides.

Welsh ace Edwards is determined to get one over on the Manchester City No 1 if he is picked to play in the game.

"Obviously I know Joe very well, we went on holiday together this year (to Cancun in Mexico)," said Edwards.

"If I do get the chance to play against Joe, I will be trying a couple of long-rangers against him. It would be great to knock one past him."

Edwards is one of six Wolves players in with a chance of being involved, Wayne Hennessy, Sam Vokes and Edwards all being eligible to play for the Wales under-21s.

But with Wales hosting Liechtenstein and travelling to Germany in World Cup qualifiers around the same dates, national boss John Toshack may keep the trio in his senior plans.

"It's nice playing for the senior team and that's where I want to be at this stage of my career," said Edwards.

"It's up to the manager though and I would be happy to drop down for the under-21 game - and I will always do my best, of course."

Wolves also have Richard Stearman, Michael Kightly and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake vying for places in the England under-21 team.

Hart and Edwards did come face to face when Wales and England under-21s clashed at Wrexham in May, the Lions beating the Dragons 2-0 thanks to goals from Tom Huddlestone and a certain Theo Walcott.

Edwards added: "We lost yes, but played very well so we'll be upbeat.

"I think it's stupid that we have to go through this play-off system anyway.

"When was the last time that Wales topped a group? Now we have to get through the play-off, but the lads are full of confidence."

By Sean Wozencroft