Wales boss John Toshack has revealed his "pain and hurt" after seeing his side humiliated 5-1 in their Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia - but vowed to stand by his young side.

Toshack seems likely to play young goalkeeper Lewis Price in place of veteran Paul Jones against Cyprus in Cardiff on Wednesday. He could also give 18-year-old David Cotterill a place in the starting line-up, ahead of striker Robert Earnshaw.

Toshack aims to show faith in the young players he believes have a future in international football when Cyprus arrive at the Millennium Stadium on the back of Saturday's stunning 5-2 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Nicosia.

He said: "These are learning games for the youngsters, for all of us. We just hope we can pick up again. People are having the chance to prove they can do it at a higher level.

"We know what we took on, I haven't spent 18-20 months going to Under-21 games and Under-19 tournaments and watching young players, trying to push them through, for nothing.

"These kind of things are going to happen. It hurts, it's painful. I'm asked if I am enjoying it, but if it doesn't hurt and is not painful it will mean I am not enjoying it.

"Because this is not very nice, we have had tough days."