Wales manager John Toshack admits he tolerates Jason Koumas' unpredictability as the midfielder "can be the difference" with the World Cup qualifiers drawing nearer.

The Wigan midfielder was subjected to a torrid night by Luxembourg's exasperated defenders on Wednesday as he guided Wales to a 2-0 win in the Grand Duchy.

The 28-year-old is serving a suspension at the moment in the Barclays Premier League, and he was on the brink of more trouble in Luxembourg as he reacted badly to constant provocation and a succession of bad tackles.

But Toshack is just happy that Koumas is around to pull the strings for his emerging, and much-changing, side.

It was Koumas' first away match for Wales outside Great Britain since Poland in August 2005.

And if Wales are going to be serious contenders for their World Cup qualifying group, which starts next season, Toshack knows he must keep Koumas on board.

Toshack said: "Many people wouldn't have put up with some of the stuff we have had to contend with from him.

"Frankly you never know whether he's going to turn up or not. But we would rather he is with us than not, he's a loveable rogue.

"We are frightened to say that there has been a change in him because he travelled for this one, when did he last play away from home? It's a while a go now.

"But he was first one to the hotel this time, and I know that when he is with us he can be the difference. We need him in our side if we are going to make any sort of impression in the World Cup group."

Toshack, whose side have lost just three in 16 games, continued: "Was I concerned about lack of protection for him? No, not really. I played here myself, and I picked up a booking and I missed an important game after that.

"We are all human and sometimes these things happen in these sort of games and I have seen this with Jason before. He's suspended at the moment but I wasn't really worried that something was going to happen."

Toshack diplomatically withdrew Koumas with 10 minutes left.

He said: "I don't want to talk to him about what was happening, that's the worst think I can do!

"But he's all right, and we are always a lot happier when he's here. And if we get Craig Bellamy back firing hopefully for the start of next season, we have a chance.

"We have Simon Davies, too, and he showed what a good player he is. They are all approaching a maturity where they should have their best years ahead of them international-wise."

Freddy Eastwood scored both goals, making it four now in his seven internationals, but it was Koumas who frightened the life out of Luxembourg every time he got the ball.

Now Toshack just hopes he wants to stick around, appear consistently when squads meet, and feels he wants to be a part of what the former Real Madrid boss is doing.

He said: "We would hope he wants to be part of this because we have a lot better chance of achieving something if he plays regularly for us.

"A lot of people probably would not have put up with him, with some of the stuff we have. But in fairness, when he is with us he's okay. He trains well and is no problem at all.

"Does he get more leeway from me than others? I don't know about that. But he is a key player for us, a very good player. We are happy to see him. He is 28 and at international level, it is reckoned that is when you should be at your best.

"When he gets the ball you think something is going to happen, there is no question about that. In tight games you need someone like that.

"Some teams look as if they wouldn't score until tomorrow but with him around you can never say that. You play him to his strengths.

"Some people moan about what he doesn't do, but I want to concentrate on what he can offer when he's on the ball."