WALES boss Chris Coleman says former Newport County AFC star Lee Evans has a big future at international level, writes Andrew Penman.

The 20-year-old from Newport, who left County for Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2013, was named in Coleman’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers in October and November last year.

Injury scuppered his hopes of a first senior cap, however, and he has now missed out on a call-up for the crucial clash in Israel on March 28.

But Coleman has reassured Evans that he will get his chance in time.

“Lee has done well and he was unlucky to miss out this time,” said the national manager.

“Lee’s very much on our radar and he was very close to being in the squad.

“He was very close to being included but his time will come again, no doubt.”

Newport defenders James Collins and Chris Gunter are included, however, and with James Chester ruled out through injury Collins could play a key role.

“What James brings to the dressing room in terms of his experience and his presence will be very important,” added Coleman.

“It’s a shame we’re going to miss James Chester but Ginge will be there and we’re going to need him.

“We're lucky we've got someone of his experience to come in. He's got the type of mentality to go to a place like Israel where it will be heated and front it up and lead.”

Coleman's side head to Haifa with themselves and Israel the surprise early front-runners in Group B.

Group leaders Israel have won their opening three games while unbeaten Wales lie in second place after beating Andorra and Cyprus and picking up points against Belgium and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Wales squad: Wayne Hennessey, Owain Fon Williams, Daniel Ward, Ashley Williams, James Collins, Ben Davies, Chris Gunter, Neil Taylor, Samuel Ricketts, Ashley Richards, Adam Henley, Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, David Vaughan, David Edwards, Shaun MacDonald, David Cotterill, Hal Robson-Kanu, Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Simon Church, Sam Vokes.