IPSWICH Town goalkeeper Lewis Price is today heading back to Suffolk with his head held high, despite Wales losing 1-0 as he made his international debut in Cyprus.

IPSWICH Town goalkeeper Lewis Price is today heading back to Suffolk with his head held high, despite Wales losing 1-0 as he made his international debut in Cyprus.

Boss John Toshack blasted his team for their lack of application, but Price made a string of fine saves to prevent the Welsh going down to an even heavier defeat.

After watching his side go down to a first-half penalty, Toshack admitted that without Price's fine showing it could have been a lot worse in Limassol.

“The 1-0 result flattered us. If it had not been for our keeper we could have been on the wrong end of an even worse defeat,” said the former Real Madrid manager.

“That was the worst international performance I have ever witnessed.

“I was embarrassed by what I saw and feel sorry for our fans for having to see that because they came out to Cyprus in numbers to support us.”

Price, who also faced a penalty on his Ipswich debut at Gillingham in April 2004 - he saved that one - said: “It wasn't the biggest crowd or the best atmosphere, but you have to accept that for these sort of friendlies.

“It was still fantastic for me to make my debut and now hopefully I can go on and win a lot more caps and be success-ful for Wales.

“The game wasn't the best for us. It was one of those nights when nothing went right. I have no complaints about the penalty and I guessed the wrong way, but these things happen.

“That's twice now I have had to face a penalty on my debut. I am looking forward to coming back to Ipswich and playing against Coventry on Saturday.”

Price was in action early on with a fine far-post block to keep out of a close-range volley from Constantinos Charalambidis.

Three minutes later, Ioannis Okkas, who plays for Greek giants Olympiacos, raced away after a Carl Robinson error to blaze over from 15 yards.

Price again came to Wales' rescue when he beat away a fierce shot from Lambros Lambrou in a packed area.

He was coping well until he spilled a fierce 30-yard shot from Okkas, and when Charalambidis forced the ball goalwards it was Bellamy who cleared off the line.

The breakthrough came via a penalty two minutes from the break from which Cyprus took a deserved lead.

Danny Collins stuck out a foot as Makridis surged past him and the midfielder crashed to the ground. Referee Jacov had no option but to point to the spot and Michael drove home the spot-kick.

Toshack took off Danny Collins at the break and sent on Ipswich Town loanee Gavin Williams to play wide on the right. Price again saved Wales when he blocked a close-range effort from Okkas.