THE renaissance in Welsh football hit a new high yesterday with fans snapping up 60,000 tickets for the clash with Azerbaijan in a couple of hours.

And although the Euro 2004 qualifying clash isn't until next March, the game is expected to be a sell out before Christmas.

It is a massive boost for Mark Hughes' side who top Group 9 after victories over Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan.

Normally tickets go on sale around six weeks before a game, but with Christmas coming up the FAW decided to put them on sale early, and it has paid off.

With 10,000 tickets having already been sold in pre-tournament packages, the March 29 clash is certain to sell out.

Fans queued overnight for their chance to see Hughes' men take another massive step to their first major finals since 1958, and such was the demand that Ticketline Uk, who were selling the tickets from their office in Cardiff, had to take on extra staff to cope.

And the response has startled many in the Football Association of Wales.

"It's beyond our wildest dreams," said FAW secretary-general David Collins.

"The take up has been amazing, and goes to show the level of interest out there for this campaign.

* The ticketline number is 02920 20230130 with fans advised to call quickly.