GILLINGHAM manager Ronnie Jepson says he was left frustrated by Wales’ decision to leave Andrew Crofts out of last Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

The midfielder, who has been a regular starter for Gills, was ruled out of the trip to Carlisle after being called up to the Wales squad.

But Crofts didn’t even make the bench and Jepson, who was severely short of players on Saturday, was clearly not happy.

Jepson said: "To lose Andrew Crofts is disappointing and even more so when you look and see that he’s not even on the subs’ bench. I don’t want to stop lads getting their caps, I think it’s great for Andrew Crofts.

"But when you see the size of our squad at Carlisle and they go away on international duty and aren’t used, not even as a sub, it becomes a little frustrating."

Wales were beaten 1-0 and Crofts will stay with the squad as they return home and prepare for this Wednesday’s qualifier against San Marino.