February 7 2008

Carl Fletcher

Crystal Palace's CARL FLETCHER scored his first international goal as Wales beat Norway 3-0.

The midfielder got the opening goal after 15 minutes when he latched onto the end of Freddie Eastwood's throughball, swept past a defender and slotted home.

Jason Koumas netted two further strikes to give the Welsh a comfortable friendly victory at the Racecourse Ground.

Wales manager John Toshack was delighted with FLETCHER's goal and all-round display in his 26th appearance for his country.

"He really is proving to be an important member of our side and I'm pleased for him," he said.

"I don't know what he was doing up there in the box (for his goal), it wasn't our orders that's for sure, but he did and got on the end of it and it came at a good time for us because the Norwegians started the game strongly."

Toshack added: "It's a terrific start to the year for us. Now we've three away friendlies in Luxembourg, a trip to Iceland and a difficult one in Holland, and then a home game with Georgia before the serious stuff starts in September."