Fishlock set for Wales return - but not as player

Rhian Wilkinson says in-form Wales 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]."

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.

Should Wales overcome a side who are 36 places in the Fifa rankings – and one they beat twice in the group phase of World Cup qualifying – they will play either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December.

Wilkinson has revealed that another recently retired former player, Kayleigh Barton, will be part of her staff for the Albania ties and then Fishlock will have a role should Wales reach the final.

Fishlock previously worked as a technical assistant for Wales' opening game of this qualifying campaign, against the Czech Republic in March.

Wilkinson explained that Fishlock had been in touch before she named her semi-final squad on Tuesday, adding: "I didn't appreciate her saying 'call me up coach, I'm ready', which I thought was mean, but [she was] a wonderful player and a great leader for us.

"If we are able to get past Albania, she'll be coming in as a coach for us for the next round."