Wales star Wilson confirms fitness for World Cup play-offs

Harry Wilson has given Wales a major boost by confirming his fitness for their World Cup play-offs later this month.

The Fulham attacking midfielder has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form players in recent months, but has missed the Cottagers’ past two games because of an ankle injury.

However, Wilson has now returned to training and is hopeful of being available for Fulham’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina in their play-off semi-final on Thursday, 26 March and, if they are victorious, Craig Bellamy’s side will face Italy or Northern Ireland in Cardiff five days later for a place at this summer’s World Cup.

Wilson is a highly influential player for Wales, scoring 12 of his 17 career international goals during the past three years.

He underlined his importance to the team with a hat-trick in their most recent outing, a 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia last November which secured home advantage for Wales’ World Cup play-off semi-final.

Wilson has also been in sparkling form for Fulham this season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists.

That has attracted interest from clubs such as Aston Villa and Everton, who had a bid for the 28-year-old rejected in February.

Wilson’s Fulham contract expires at the end of this season so, unless he agrees a new deal with the London club, he will be able to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

“It (transfer speculation) happens when players are in good form or their contract is coming to an end,” Wilson said.

“I think that’s natural talk but I don’t try and listen to that. I try to concentrate on games.

“I don’t want any distractions. My job is to play football.