Wales Aim To Kick On, Says Sophie Ingle

Wales women’s captain Sophie Ingle has admitted her frustration that their Euro qualification campaign will end with no prizes.

Ingle’s team face Austria in Newport on Tuesday night as their group matches come to a close.

Despite last week’s 3-0 victory over Israel, Wales are six points behind Austria. A victory at Rodney Parade will close the gap, but still leave Wales in third spot behind the Austrians and already qualified table-toppers Norway.

But even though Austria are already assured of the play-off spot, Ingle says the match has plenty of purpose for Wales.

“We’re gutted that we cannot qualify, but we’re building for the World Cup qualifiers now,” said Ingle.

“Even though they seem a long way away, they will soon come around.

“We’re a young and exciting team that like to attack and we create a lot of chances through the way that we play. I think people will enjoy watching us and the support would be hugely appreciated by all the girls.”

Wales manager Jayne Ludlow is expecting the final qualifier to be a testing one against a team that has risen to 25^th in the FIFA world rankings – 10 places above Wales.

“It will be a very different challenge against Austria than it was against Israel,” said Ludlow.

“The Austrians are still fighting to top the group and have had a fantastic last two years. They won the Cyprus Cup and they have jumped up the rankings.

“They are a very organised outfit. It’s going to be different, but it is a challenge we can overcome and one we are looking forward to.

“Austria are a side we can look to for inspiration, they are winning games and being successful and that is what we want for our group moving forward.”

Wales were impressive against Israel and controlled the game with Helen Ward scoring twice and Charlie Estcourt coming off the bench to score the third.