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Welsh hero could miss World Cup opener

Euro 2016 hero Hal Robson-Kanu faces being omitted for Wales' World Cup opener as he is still without a club.

The striker became a free agent before the Euros, after choosing to end his 12-year stay at Reading.

It looked a wise move, as the 27-year-old (above) then became a Euro 2016 sensation with his goals against Slovakia and Belgium helping Wales into the semi-finals.

His effort in the 3-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium, a firm shot past Thibaut Courtois after his Cruyff turn had bamboozled three defenders, was voted the BBC's Goal of the Tournament.

But there has been no announcement on his club future, even though he said in France that he had received offers.

NO CLUB

Wales meet Moldova on Sept 5, and manager Chris Coleman admitted the situation is a concern. Asked if having no club would count against Robson-Kanu's selection for their 2018 World Cup opener, Coleman said: "Yes, of course.

"We know what Hal's capable of. But I've got to look at the players in the training sessions and see who's ready, physically and psychologically.

"If I have to upset one or two, it's not the first time I've done it.

"You don't want to, but you have to play your strongest team and I'll be picking the strongest team possible to get that result."

Burnley striker Sam Vokes would appear to be in pole position to lead the Wales forward line alongside Gareth Bale against Moldova. - PA Sport.

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