Injured Ramsey joins Wales on Armenia trek

ROB Page hopes the presence of Aaron Ramsey can help Wales realise their Euro 2024 dream after the injured captain joined them on their long trek to Armenia.

Midfielder Ramsey has not played since September after damaging a knee tendon, missing last month’s stunning victory over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia that has left automatic qualification in Wales’ own hands entering the final two games.

The 32-year-old, however, has taken the unusual step of an injured player being present for Wales’ 4,600-mile round trip to Yerevan, one of European football’s most remote outposts.

“Rambo’s travelled with the lads, which is brilliant,” Page, pictured, said ahead of today’s penultimate qualifier at the Republican Stadium, scene of their only previous visit to this corner of Eastern Europe in 2001 – a game the manager played in.

“It’s the presence around the changing room. I used to say it with Gareth Bale. Aaron falls into the same category for me.

“The wealth of experience he’s got. Just being around young JJ (Jordan James), who can pick his brains on just about anything. He’s the captain and he’s been wanting to travel. He’s been with the group all week.

“He’s done his little bits of work that he’s needed to for Cardiff. He’s got a plan and gone off and done his own bits. We’ve had to find a training ground for him, but he wants to be around and I think it speaks volumes about what we’ve got as a group.”

Wales know two closing victories – already-qualified Turkey are the visitors to Cardiff on Tuesday – will see them secure qualification.

■ England played Malta at Wembley last night.