Russia beware

Newcastle United midfielder Speed (pictured) knows that if Mark Hughes' men can avoid a damaging defeat in the away game on November 15, the backing of a big crowd in the return leg four days later could inspire Wales to reach next summer's European Championship finals in Portugal and break their 46-year major championship finals hoodoo.

"We know that if we have our best side out we are a match for anyone, certainly in Cardiff," said the 34-year-old.

"It is good that we are away for the first leg. It means that we will have to fight for everything, dig in and roll our sleeves up out there to try to get something to bring back to Cardiff.

"We know how we will play in Moscow. It will be cold but we have to stand our ground and battle.

"If we do that we will bring them back to Cardiff for a night they won't forget. The Millennium crowd will be fantastic, it will be a daunting task for anyone playing against us there."

The 77-times capped Speed is delighted Wales missed Holland, Spain and Turkey in yesterday's draw in Frankfurt, adding: "The draw could have been worse. However, Russia have a great home record and we know it will be a real sleeves rolled up battle out in Moscow."

Wales finished second in Group Nine behind Italy while Russia were runners-up to Switzerland. And while the Welsh have not won in four matches, Russia are unbeaten in their last four, have a 100 per cent record at home but failed to win away.

Hughes is well aware that - in Tony Blair's phrase - the hand of history is resting on his shoulder as far as football in the principality is concerned.

He added: "These two games could shape the future shape of Welsh football for the next 10 or 15 years. If we can qualify it could have a tremendous impact but if we don't then maybe we stand still - and that's not what we want at all.

"It could have been a lot worse than Russia. They are obviously very good on their home soil but not so good on their travels."