Chris Coleman urges Aaron Ramsey to mark his 50th Wales cap by sinking Georgia in vital World Cup qualifier
Dragons boss hopes the Arsenal midfielder makes up for the absence of Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale on his big night
CHRIS COLEMAN has called on Aaron Ramsey to make his big night a memorable one for Wales.
Arsenal midfielder Ramsey will win his 50th cap for the Dragons in tonight’s vital World Cup qualifier here in Georgia.
And with talisman Gareth Bale out injured, the pressure will be on Ramsey, 26, to step up and keep alive their hopes of going to next summer’s finals in Russia.
Boss Coleman said: “Aaron has been here a long time and it’s his 50th cap.
“We know his capabilities, at any given moment he can change a game, create something, score.
“He knows what it’s all about. He won’t be thinking this is his 50th cap — it’s about what we need to do and how we can implement it.
“But if he’s anywhere near his best, we’ve got a chance of having a positive result.”
Dragons skipper Ashley Williams added: “Creative and attack wise, it will fall on Rambo’s shoulders.
“He’s played without Gaz before and he’ll not feel any extra pressure.
“He’ll go out there and do what he has to.”
Coleman insisted Wales were not at fault for the calf injury that has ruled Bale out of these qualifiers.
The Real Madrid superstar, 28, had a scan at the Welsh training camp on Monday morning after complaining of discomfort. Boss Cookie added: “We’re disappointed, especially with the timing of it but it can’t be helped.
“We have to wait and see how long, that news will come from Real.”
Wales need at least four points from tonight’s game and Monday’s clash with Republic of Ireland to stand any chance of making the play-offs.
The 2,000 travelling fans will hope to see Liverpool’s 17-year-old Ben Woodburn given another chance tonight.
Coleman said: “David Brooks is here on merit, as are Ethan Ampadu and Ben.
“I’ve absolutely no worries or doubts about these players.”