Parry in shock Wales retirement

Paul Parry has stunned Wales two days before a vital World Cup qualifier by retiring from international football.

BBC Sport Wales understands that the Cardiff City attacker was unhappy at being left on the bench during the 1-0 win over Azerbaijan on Saturday.

The 28-year-old was told by Wales boss John Toshack that he would start the match away to Russia on Wednesday.

But despite that Parry left the squad on Sunday night, ending a 12-cap career in which he scored one goal for Wales.

Parry had only recently returned to the Wales squad following an 18-month self-imposed absence.

He withdrew from Wales' Euro 2008 qualifying mid-campaign citing personal reasons.