IAN RUSH'S international career could be over after the Welsh manager, Bobby Gould, yesterday omitted him from the squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino in Cardiff on August 31st.

Rush (34), Wales's top international scorer with 28 goals from 73 appearances, asked not to be considered for the 5-0 win in San Marino in June while he sorted out his club future after being granted a free transfer by Liverpool.

When Gould contacted Rush last week the new Leeds skipper indicated he was not interested in travelling as a reserve.

Gould said: "I spoke to Ian last week and invited him to join the squad, having explained that there would be no place for him in the team. On that basis, he decided he did not want to be involved.

Rush, originally asked by Gould to use his experience in a player coaching role, made public his displeasure with the manager after being substituted during the 3-0 friendly defeat in Italy in January.

But Gould, pointing to the olive branch offered to and accepted by Chelsea striker Mark Hughes after a problem last term, did leave the door slightly ajar for Rush to return to the international fold in future games.

"They said it meant the end for Mark Hughes when I left him out of the team to go to Albania in the European Championships last November," said Gould.

"He has come right back into the team and is playing better than ever, and I just cannot guarantee anybody a place."

Gould added: "Hughes and Dean Saunders were highly effective in the win in San Marino. They did an excellent job and all things being equal those who played in San Marino will get their chance again."

The only additional name to those on duty in June was Everton new boy Gary Speed.

Gould also named both Wrexham's Andy Marriott and Tranmere's Danny Coyne as back up goalkeepers to Neville Southall although only one of them will join up with the squad.