NEWPORT'S Lee Evans will travel to Serbia with Wales this week after surviving the cut as manager Chris Coleman trimmed his training squad to 23.

The Wales boss has released youngsters Ethan Ampadu, Marley Watkins and Declan John from the squad following an intense training camp at the Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve.

And that means that former Newport County AFC midfielder Evans will be on the plane for the crucial World Cup qualifier in Belgrade on Sunday night (kick-off 7.45pm BST).

The Argus understands that County would be due a further payment from Evans' current club Wolverhampton Wanderers if the 22-year-old plays at the Stadion Rajko Mitić.

Wales sit third in qualifying group after five matches, four points behind both Serbia at the top and the Republic of Ireland in second. All three teams remain undefeated.

Wales and Serbia last met in a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium in November.

Gareth Bale had given Wales the lead on the half-hour mark but an 86th minute glancing header by Aleksander Mitrović secured a point for Serbia. 

Bale misses out this weekend through suspension, as does Neil Taylor.

Newport-born defender James Collins was left out due to fitness concerns.

Wales squad: Hennessey, Ward, Fon Williams; A. Williams, Gunter, Chester, Davies, Richards, Walsh, Lockyer, Jones; Ramsey, Ledley, Huws, Edwards, Allen, Wilson, Evans; Robson-Kanu, Vokes, Bradshaw, Woodburn, Lawrence