Wales manager Craig Bellamy insists there can be no excuses if they are to qualify for a third World Cup.
With a crucial qualifier away against Kazakhstan next Thursday, Bellamy knows that if his team are to book their place automatically nothing can be ignored.
That includes the 3,000-mile trip to face awkward opponents on a plastic pitch, whose club football is on a high after Kairat beat Celtic in the Champions League this week.
“I have a lot of respect for them,” Bellamy said of Kazhakhstan.
“Now they have a team playing if the Champions League, don’t underestimate what that will do for them.
“These countries will become a threat to us now, what it will do for them in the future is huge.
“I’d love to say international football is the best, but the Champions League is the pinnacle.
“The best of the best play each other, Kazakhstan now have players who will be exposed to that.
“I’d rather play them now than four or five months’ time, because I feel they will improve from it.”
There was a much-deserved inclusion for 19-year-old Dylan Lawlor, after an impressive start to the season for the Cardiff City academy graduate.
After signing a new contract with the Bluebirds on Wednesday, the Caerphilly native now celebrates a first call up to the men’s senior national side.
“I’ve been impressed with Dylan in the first few games,” Bellamy added.
“I think he is going to be immense in the future.
“Cardiff have always produced good young players.”
There was also a second senior call up for clubmate Ronan Kpakio, after he also impressed early on in the season.
“It’s like he’s played here for years,” Bellamy said.
“These are young players playing men’s football, it is a different quality from under 18’s and 21’s.
“It is going to benefit us being able to fast track players. We’re going to reap the benefits from that.”
Captain Aaron Ramsey was another noticeable absentee from the squad, after making his debut for Mexican side PUMAS following a summer move.
While Ramsey has been plagued by injuries in the last two years, Bellamy strongly stated that if he can stay fit, he could soon early a recall for upcoming squads.
“He hasn’t played enough,” Bellamy said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to him to ask him to travel over here and then travel there (Kazakhstan).
“I told him to focus on his fitness, not to look to far ahead, but if he can stay fit October could be possible.
“I’d love to be able to pick him, I’d love to be able to buy another Aaron Ramsey.”
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Even though Wales will be without their most experienced player in Ramsey, the inclusion of yet more emerging young players gives fans more reason to be optimistic.
The friendly against Canada is a useful opportunity to bed in some of the players who will be crucial in years to come.
In previous months, Bellamy has reiterated his desire to leave the squad in a better place than he picked it up.
Turning to players like Kpakio and Lawlor gives real excitement for the future of the national side, with competition in their respective positions increasing.
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