TODAY two British teams will go toe to toe in the knockout stages of an international tournament for the first time ever.

The future of the United Kingdom may be up in the air, but it won’t have affected the preparations of Wales or Northern Ireland ahead of their titanic tussle in Paris this evening (Sat).

Both these sides have waited 58 long years for a knockout match and Wales fans know that they only need four more wins to do the unthinkable - win the European Championships.

Among keen observers this evening will be Simon Collins, 46, the older brother of one of Newport’s favourite sons, centre back James, who is likely to be on the bench for the game.

Most of the Collins family have gone over to Paris for the match, but their eldest said he will be keeping an eye on proceedings from the family home at Queens Hill.

He said: “I think we’ll do well. Of course we’ve got Gareth Bale and he’s the number one player in the tournament along with the French lad who plays with James at West Ham, [Dimitri] Payet.

“I admire everything James has done. He’s great with his kids and he’s a family man. He’s one of us and he’s definitely grounded.”

Meanwhile, one of Wales’ most passionate football supporters, David Collins, 57, from Cwmbran, will be watching the game at the fanzone in Cardiff.

Mr Collins attended the group games against England and Russia in France and hopes to return if Wales get through to the next round.

“I’m taking a break from dashing back and forward because it was ruining my wallet and energy," he said.

“It’s going to be unusual. Probably, for the first time in the tournament, Wales are expected to win."