Gunter wants third for Wales

10 October 2011 17:05

Wales defender Chris Gunter is backing his side to claim third spot in Euro 2012 qualification Group G with a win over Bulgaria in Sofia.

Gary Speed's side won their second successive home qualifier when they beat 10-man Switzerland 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium last week after defeating Montenegro at the start of September.

Gunter believes Wales are steadily improving under the stewardship of Speed. He told www.southwalesargus.co.uk: "You've seen the difference in the squad. After losing the first few games finishing third would be great. It would be nice to finish well and carry that momentum forward."

He added: "We've got a way of playing in competitive games now and in 11 months' time these fixtures under Gary will prove really important. We had to go through some disappointing results but we are on the right track.

"We've got a system now and I don't think that will change too much in the future. The more you play together you develop your roles and that will only get stronger in the future."

Switzerland just need a point against Montenegro in Basle to finish third in the group as they aim to salvage some pride after failing to qualify for their first European Championship since 2000.

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld revealed his frustration as their 2-0 defeat by Wales ended their Euro 2012 dream.

''The bitterness is immense,'' Hitzfeld told www.foxnews.com.

''Our team is young. It must learn from these failures but it must especially look forward - to the match on Tuesday against Montenegro and a great challenge next month in Rotterdam against Holland."

Source: PA