RICKETTS READIES A SURPRISE

WALES v BELGIUM Friday, 7.45pm – Sky Sports 1

SAM RICKETTS can talk a good game – but knows it’ll take more than a bit of Belgian waffle to beat one of Europe’s hottest teams.

Injury-hit Wales are massive underdogs as they host a crack Belgium side that boasts an array of top Premier League stars.

There’s £32million Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany, Everton’s Marouane Fellaini, Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen and Spurs duo Jan Vertonghen and Moussa Dembele – well over £100m-worth of talent.

And even famous Belgian detective Poirot could work out that the Lowlanders should easily win their World Cup qualifying opener.

Despite three loses without finding the net, Ricketts (left) insists Chris Coleman’s men can spring a major surprise.

The Bolton defender said: “We’ve had a full week to prepare for Belgium and I think you’ll see the benefits.

Casualties

“We might have lost the last three games but the next one will be hugely different.

“Of course Belgium are a good side with some fantastic young players worth a lot of money. But we know we’re a good side when we play well.”

Joe Ledley and David Vaughan are long-term casualties for Wales and are joined by Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy and Brighton midfielder Andrew Crofts.

Teenage full-back Ben Davies replaces Swansea team-mate Neil Taylor, who misses out with a broken ankle. Huddersfield defender Joel Ward has withdrawn with an Achilles problem.