JOE Ledley believes Wales will thrive under the pressure of Euro 2016 expectation sweeping the country.
Wales are set for a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night with ticket sales already close to the 25,000 mark for the Group B visit of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Scotland's visit for a World Cup qualifier exactly two years ago stands as Wales' highest attendance at the Cardiff City Stadium, but at least half that crowd of 23,249 crowd was made up of the Tartan Army.
And it is a far cry from Bosnia's last visit to Wales in August 2012 when only 6,253 turned up to watch a Llanelli friendly which the visitors won 2-0.
"We haven't had the crowds before and this proves we're doing something right on the pitch," Ledley said.
"It's down to us perform but it will be great to play in front of a full house, especially at the Cardiff City Stadium in front of Welsh fans who are very passionate.
"We haven't had this much pressure on us before but it's fantastic pressure to have.
"It means everyone expects us to qualify and win, I had it before at Celtic and you thrive under it.
"When I was up there you were expected to win week-in, week out, even Champions League games, and it rubbed off on me.
"When you build that up you'll see the Wales players kicking in and everyone will enjoy it."
Ledley is poised to win his 53rd cap against Bosnia and as one of the more senior players in Chris Coleman's squad has big leadership responsibilities.
The 27-year-old Crystal Palace player also has a vital role in the midfield area with injured pair Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen missing in that department and Wales seeking to build on their opening victory in Andorra last month.
Bosnia lost on the same night at home to Cyprus and Ledley knows Wales will be in a strong position in the group if they can open up a six-point gap on their rivals ahead of Monday's home game against the Cypriots.
"Win and we're in a great position," Ledley said.
"It's one of the biggest games in my career as well as a few more of the players.
"We were grateful for the three points in Andorra and that was important because we haven't started well before.
"We know the next two games are going to be very difficult but hopefully we can put some points on the board."
Wales' rise up the FIFA rankings to a 20-year high spot of 29th has created a feel-good factor missing for some time but the expectation also has much to do with the recent performances of Gareth Bale.
The Real Madrid star has scored 10 goals in his last 11 Wales appearances and was on target twice in Andorra to prevent considerable embarrassment for Coleman and company.
"We all know how good he is and he's been brilliant already this season," Ledley said.
"He can always get us a goal or out of a difficult situation, but Gareth knows as much as anyone we have got to rely on every single player.
"We've gained a lot of experience and we've not just got a fantastic squad ability-wise, but as individuals and as far as team bonding is concerned.
"We always want to meet up and that's what you need in a squad."
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