27-year-old Wales and Cardiff footballer Paul Parry claims he lost his place in the Welsh squad because of his bitter divorce from his wife Laura. Parry says it was his decision to make himself unavailable for the Welsh squad due to the stress he was feeling from the divorce, and the fight he has been having to gain access to his children.

Parry says that he’s put all of that behind him now though and wants to get back in the squad for Wales’ next game against Georgia.

I’ve been going through a divorce. I left my wife three years ago and it has been a long, drawn-out saga.

I am just glad to come through to the end of it now. My mind feels refreshed now but it has taken a lot out of me. I was suffering a lot of stress and I just needed some time out for myself.

That was the only reason I took that step back from Wales, I had to clear my mind. I’ve got two children from my previous marriage. Now I have a good relationship with my ex, everything is amicable and I can see my kids when I want to see them. So there is no problem with that.

Parry also insists that his decision to stay away from the Welsh side wasn’t because he didn’t want to play for Wales. He just need time to get his head right from his divorce.

Having been in his shoes (divorce now, not playing for Wales) I know it is hard to go to work knowing that you haven’t seen your kids for some time, and you don’t know when you’ll next see them. Taking himself out of the international spotlight was probably the best thing to do.

Good luck Paul, hope you get back in the squad soon and playing again for Wales.

Clive Bellmore