By David Roberts
Osian Roberts is backing Wales to continue on the journey he started with Chris Coleman in 2016 by moving a step closer to another Euros finals qualification tonight (Thurs)
Roberts was assistant manager to Chris Coleman when Wales broke new ground eight years ago by reaching the tournament finals in France – their first tournament appearance for 58 years.
Since then, Wales have reached the 2020 Euro finals as well as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Roberts reckons they can beat Finland this evening to put themselves in a play-off final against either Poland or Estonia.
Welsh bookmakers DragonBet make Wales 7/4 favourites to win and Roberts, who is currently head coach at Italian club Como, said: “I think Wales will get the job done against Finland and can make it to another finals.
“The home factor will be huge in Cardiff and I just wish I could be there to see them do it.”
Roberts intends to watch the game on his laptop in Spain, where Como have based themselves for warm winter training.
“I will probably watch the game in my room, which is a shame because I haven’t missed many over the last 20 years, either being involved directly or being part of S4C’s coverage for Sgorio.
“Play-offs are tricky and I remember being in Russia for the play-off way back in 2003 when we didn’t make the 2004 tournament.
“But this team have experience of making major tournaments under Rob Page and they also have lots of players playing regularly, like the four boys at Leeds United who are doing so well – Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Connor Roberts.
“I think that kind of form across a group of players will be key.”
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Roberts and Coleman took Wales all the way to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the former Crystal Palace assistant boss added: “The boost that gave to Welsh football was incredible and to make another finals this summer would have another massive impact.”
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