Fishlock set for Wales return - but not as player

Rhian Wilkinson says in-form Wale icon Jess Fishlock will be back with the national team if they reach a Women's World Cup play-off final in December – but only as a coach.

Fishlock, Wales' most-capped footballer, called time on her international career last October.

But the 39-year-old continues to shine for Seattle Reign, having claimed two fine goals in last weekend's win over Boston Legacy to become the National Women's Soccer League club's all-time leading scorer.

Wales, meanwhile, are without a string of senior players for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania next month, but Wilkinson says she has turned down Fishlock's tongue-in-cheek offer to come out of international retirement.

"Jess could play forever, she's incredible," the Wales head coach said.

"There was never a doubt that Jess Fishlock could still do a job for us. [But] I think it was absolutely the right time for her to step away after that amazing qualification for the Euro [last year]."

Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary.

Fishlock, who has said this will be her last year playing club football, will be on duty with Reign when Wales go to Albania on Friday, 9 October and then again in the return leg in Llanelli four days later.

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