Danny Coyne is in the unusual position of being an international goalkeeper for Wales but currently without a club following his release by Burnley at the end of last season. The experienced stopper has been a regular in John Toshack's squad over the last couple of years, although he did miss the recent draw against the Czech Republic with a slight knee strain. But Coyne, who missed a large part of last season with a serious knee ligament problem, is now free from injury and looking forward to a new club and a new challenge next term. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with Danny on his return from a summer break.
Q:HAVE THERE BEEN ANY DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS?
A:To be honest I've been on holiday and I only got back today so I'm going to speak to my agent later and see if there have been any enquiries. It's still only mid-June though so there's still a bit of time before teams come back for pre-season training.
Q:HOW IS THE KNEE NOW?
A:The knee's fine. I think it was all blown out of proportion in the build-up to the Czech Republic game. The injury was exaggerated in the papers and it was never a serious problem. But in the end John Toshack decided to go with young Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy and he did very well against the Czechs.
Q:ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO BE LEAVING BURNLEY?
A:I am disappointed but if I'm honest it never really happened for me there for one reason or another. I didn't play as many games as I would have liked through injury but these things happen in football. But Burnley are a good club with a great bunch of players and I wish them every success in the future.
Q:ARE YOU HOPING TO FIND A CLUB IN THE NORTH WEST?
A:No not really, I'd be prepared to travel if an offer came up that was right for me somewhere else in the country. Right now I'm just looking forward to signing for a new club and taking on another challenge.
Q:ARE YOU KEEN TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WALES?
A:Yes definitely, if possible. But right now my priority is to find a club and start playing regular first team football again. I missed a lot of last season so I'd like to get some games under my belt and if I'm doing well for my club side then hopefully I will be considered for Wales.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO SEE RYAN GIGGS HANG UP HIS INTERNATIONAL BOOTS?
A:It's certainly a big loss for Welsh football but Ryan has been a great servant for his country for many years. He's a fantastic professional, you can't speak highly enough of him. With what's he won, and how long he's been at the top, you would probably forgive him for being a bit 'big time' but he's not that at all – he's so rounded.
Q:DO THE OTHER PLAYERS IN THE SQUAD LOOK UP TO HIM?
A:Ryan's a quiet bloke but he's always led by example and players in the squad can't help but be in awe of him because he's been one of the best players in the Premiership for over a decade. He's adapted his game in recent seasons as he’s got older but the way he goes about his work you can't help but have huge respect and admiration for him.
