Wales ‘not taking Faroes for granted’

WALES captain Sophie Ingle insists the squad is not taking this evening’s European Championship qualifying opponents the Faroe Islands lightly.

Wales take on the Faroes at Rodney Parade (4.30pm) hoping for a performance similar to their 6-0 win in the away fixture last August.

They then welcome group leaders Norway to Cardiff City Stadium next Tuesday, before a final qualifier against Belarus in December.

Securing second spot in the group would be enough to guarantee a playoff spot for the 2022 tournament, so Wales know they need as many points as possible.

Asked whether the fact some are taking a Wales win for granted tonight shows how much the side has developed, Chelsea star Ingle said: “Potentially, but I don’t think we take it for granted.

“We still know they are very hard games to play, sometimes even harder when you have a lot of ball that you’re not used to and teams block up against you. It’s like what we do to Norway, we frustrate the game for them, so potentially we’re on the other foot.

“Yes, on paper we should win, but it’s never that simple in football and I think the girls know that, that it’s going to be a really important game to get three points going into the Norway game.”

Ingle, who can operate as a defender or midfielder, says patience will be needed against a defensively-minded Faroes side: “I think we will have more of the ball so we will have to be patient. It’s about being confident in front of goal and taking our chances when we have them.”

■ Wales v Faroe Islands live coverage this evening is available via the BBC website and the red button, while Wales v Norway on Tuesday will be shown live on BBC Two Wales, with coverage beginning at 4.15pm. Both games kick off at 4.30pm.