Wales caretaker manager Brian Flynn has deflected all personal attention
ahead of their crucial Euro 2012 qualifier in Switzerland.
Flynn is anxious to make an impression in the second and final match of
his spell in temporary charge but he insists competition points are all
that matter.
Wales' hopes of progressing to the finals from Group G are already in
tatters after defeat in Montenegro was followed by another loss in
Flynn's first match against Bulgaria last Friday.
Yet Flynn remains optimistic as he prepares to face a Swiss side that
have endured a similarly disappointing start to their campaign.
The former Wrexham and Swansea boss, who could celebrate his 55th
birthday in style with a win in Basle, said: "The team is the most
important.
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"What happens next I have no idea, I haven't spoken to anyone. Switzerland in Basle is the key to this situation.
"Every international is a big game, it is football at the highest level.
You can't go any higher than this.
"It is not about me, it is about Wales and this situation - that is the
most important thing. But, yes, three points would be the perfect birthday present."
Flynn, having impressed in his role as under-21 boss, was asked to take
over for the senior side's October double-header when John Toshack
stepped aside last month.
Having worked with many of the squad previously, Flynn sees enormous
potential and believes it is only a matter of time before the likes of
Gareth Bale - and the currently injured Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey -
lead them to a major tournament.
He even feels qualification this time is not completely out of the
question.
"It is always a possibility," he said. "It is a huge task, a massive
task, but I have huge belief in this bunch of players.
"I believe they will qualify for a major tournament. I don't know whether it will be this one but they will qualify, there
is no doubt about that. The mood has been upbeat, they have been fairly positive.
"There was disappointment around the hotel on Saturday but the next one
is the one that matters and here we are now.
"We are arriving here very similar to how the Bulgarians arrived in
Cardiff after two defeats and we have belief we can win the game."
Switzerland are the only team below Wales in the group having lost their
opening two games to England and Montenegro.
Flynn expects Ottmar Hitzfeld's team to start strongly in a bid to get
their campaign back on track.
He said: "I would expect Switzerland to come at us and try to make
things happen in the first 20 minutes.
"That is where we have to be strong and make it difficult for them.
"The onus is on them to attack and we have planned for that.
"We are going to have to absorb pressure for long periods in the game
but we will get chances and we must convert them. We have got to be
clinical.
"They are difficult to beat but we have got to make it hard for them,
deny them space.
"I would say they are favourites - they are at home, they have been to
the World Cup - but I don't mind that."
Flynn's stand-in captain Ashley Williams appears to be winning his
fitness fight to feature in the clash at St Jakob Park.
The 26-year-old turned his ankle in latter stages of the Bulgaria defeat
but was cleared to travel after an X-ray on Saturday.
Since then the joint has responded well to treatment and he played a
full part in training today.
"His ankle has got better every day and I am very confident he will be
able to start," said Flynn.
That news is a relief as Flynn must reorganise his back line due to
suspensions to Chris Gunter and Sam Ricketts.
Williams will revert to his natural centre-half position from midfield
while Cardiff's Darcy Blake, 21, will make his international debut at
right-back.
"Darcy will play at right-back," Flynn said. "I've seen a lot of him in
that position and I like him there. He has made huge strides this season and has done really well at
Cardiff. This can only help him with his club football."
Flynn has further defensive options having drafted in Rhoys Wiggins of
Bournemouth and Preston's Craig Morgan at the weekend.
Source: DSG