Source: Team_Talk
Earnshaw getting used to tag
Earnshaw, who has only recently been able to find the form to get himself back into boss John Toshack's squad, was Wales' spot-kick hero on Friday in the 1-0 victory over Estonia at Llanelli.
And the Zambia-born ace himself feeling almost ancient in a starting line-up with an average age of 21, with 10 of the 17 players used by Toshack being 20 or younger.
Now Earnshaw is hoping to hold his place in Saturday's much tougher World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku.
The Wales squad meet up again on Monday at a hotel near Heathrow and will train at Bisham Abbey before flying out to Baku on Tuesday.
Earnshaw said: "I never thought I would see the day that I'd be the oldest in the squad at 28. And they have years and years to go, I just hope their youth and enthusiasm rubs off on me a bit now.
"It will be a lot tougher next weekend, a much more intense game at a higher level. But we are looking forward to it, we just have to keep a calmness and keep the ball. Things will happen then for us.
"The core of our squad has been together now for three years, a dozen or so who have been together at under-21 level. You can see it progressing, they have experience too with some 20-year-olds with 20 caps."
Toshack has hinted that he may use just one striker in Baku and boost his midfield in demanding temperatures of over 80 degrees.
That could mean Earnshaw standing down and either Simon Church or Sam Vokes leading the attack.
But Earnshaw hopes for another chance, having now scored his 14th goal for his country in 44 internationals, taking him ahead of Toshack in Wales' all-time scoring list and only one behind John Charles.
Earnshaw said: "It was just nice to be out there on Friday after missing so many games, and I enjoyed it.
"I was also aware that we had missed our last three penalties - I'd seen them on TV while I was injured - and I felt then that it could be me taking the next one, and that's how it turned out.
"I was just happy to put it away to make sure we got the win, which was a good confidence boost.
"There are a few of us who have not played for a few weeks, but we have had some good training sessions and we got a lot out of the game.
"We needed to get some fitness back and we have done that. It will give us a good platform now for Azerbaijan.
"We played well, we enjoyed it and we got our passing together. It all helps the build-up."
Earnshaw is relishing having youth all around him.
He said: "I enjoyed playing in front of Aaron Ramsey. I have only had a few chances to be on the pitch with him, but he is so comfortable on the ball he makes things look easy.
"He is also at a big club and playing alongside great players already. The standards at Arsenal are as high as you can get so he sees the very best every day.
"He is a bit inexperienced with some of the things he does, but if he keeps learning he will be a top player.
"We have a very good, emerging midfield now. Aaron, Joe Ledley, Jack Collison and that is good for the future. You know that if you make runs you know the ball will be coming where you want it from these three, it is very encouraging for the future.
"And a lot of them are playing now at Premier League clubs, which means they see the top standards every day and that can only help their progress."
