READY TO RAM BEL
Super-proud Aaron fired up to skipper Dragons
by JAMES NURSEY
AARON RAMSEY takes on the world’s No.1 nation in Cardiff tonight with a Dragon fire still burning in his gut.
The Wales midfielder has played 70 times for his country over the past 13 years but is as determined as ever to prove himself on a night when he will lead out the team against Belgium.
He scored twice in Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Belarus and, even though his poor form for Juventus has sparked talk of a Premier League return in January, Rambo still has success for club and country on his mind.
With Gareth Bale making his way back from injury and on the bench, he will take the armband and said: “Every time I have the opportunity I want to be out on the pitch helping contribute to my team winning that game.
“Every time is a very special moment and very proud moment so I don’t listen to anything said about me.
“I know exactly how I feel about representing my country or playing for my club and I want to do it as often and as many times as I can.
“I still feel good and feel like I can produce performances so hopefully there’s many more to come.
“There’s nobody as proud as me when I step onto that pitch.
“I’ve not had the amount of game minutes I would have liked to have had but I’ve had a good week’s training and we played well the other night. I am feeling fresh for Belgium.
“To qualify for a World Cup, these opportunities won’t come along very often. It might be the last time we have an opportunity as good as this.”
Bale won his 100th cap against Belarus when he played the first half after previously not playing since September due to a hamstring tear.
Ramsey, 30, who now has 20 goals for Wales, reckons success gets sweeter as you age.
He said: “I think you just appreciate everything and take things in a little bit more.
“Playing for Wales is very special and a very proud moment for me so I make sure I make the most of every opportunity.
“But there’s still a lot of years left in my legs yet.”
Wales need just a point to clinch second place and a potential home play-off semi-final tie for Qatar 2022.
WALES (3-4-3): Ward; Mepham, Rodon, B Davies; C Roberts, Allen, Ramsey, N Williams; Wilson, Moore, James.
BELGIUM (3-4-3): Casteels; Boyata, Vertonghen, Castagne; Meunier, Witsel, De Bruyne, Mertens; E Hazard, Benteke, Carrasco.