The winger is set to lead his country
Harry Wilson is set to captain Wales on Tuesday night(Image: Getty)
Harry Wilson says he’s honoured at the prospect of leading out his country as captain against North Macedonia.
However, he says he’d rather the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ben Davies were available for what’s shaping up to be pivotal World Cup qualifying finale at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ampadu is suspended for the clash on Tuesday night, while Ben Davies is ruled out due to injury.
Midfielder Jordan James is also suspended, although it’s unlikely he would have been a contender to take the armband in the capital.
Wales head into their final group game of the qualifying campaign sitting third in Group J, level on points with the Macedonians, who have proved something of a surprise package and are yet to lose a game.
The hosts could technically still finish top of the group, although that would be dependent on minnows Liechtenstein taking something from group leaders Belgium.
Second place now appears to be the most likely outcome should Wales emerge victorious, and would crucially hand Wales a home draw in the upcoming play-offs in March.
It could prove to be a special night for Wilson as he picks up the captaincy for the first time, but he admits he’d trade in the honour of skippering the side for a full-strength line-up.
“I think first and foremost with Ethan and Ben, everyone would much rather they were playing, because we know what important players they are for us,” he said.
“But with Ben’s injury and Ethan’s unfortunate yellow, it gave an opportunity for someone else to be captain and it’s a big honour for me.
“I feel like I’m one of the senior players now. It’s something that I’ve dreamed about for a long time, so to finally be given the chance to lead us tomorrow night in front of the whole country is a massive honour and something I’m really looking forward to.”
Boss Craig Bellamy has similarly acknowledged the significance of the occasion for Wilson, but insists he won’t be placing too much importance on it.
“It is [an honour for him],” he said. “But do you know what the biggest honour is? Playing for Wales. Putting on that shirt. Putting on that shirt is the greatest honour. Nothing beats that.
“These are nice little bonuses, but I don’t hold any extra importance to it.
“I think I played for Wales for 78 games. How many times was I captain? I couldn’t tell you. Not bothered.
“Playing for Wales 78 times was more important to me.
“Maybe I’m the wrong coach to be answering these types of questions.
“To represent your country. That’s the biggest honour.”
Nevertheless, Bellamy says he’s delighted by the Fulham star’s impact on his squad, with the 28-year-old clearly a central figure for Wales in the post-Gareth Bale era.
“He’s been really, really important, and we’ve seen when we don’t have him as well, how much we miss him. His quality, when we talking about final detail and the final pass, understanding the game, it’s at a really high level with Harry, I have to be honest.
“Without the ball as well. His understanding. I’ve been really impressed by him and how he conducts himself as well.
“Every player’s the same here. They’re an incredible group. It’s a real privilege to be with this group. Just in behaviour, standards, habits. They’re really top.
“But Harry is definitely at the forefront as well.”
