Chris Coleman is on the verge of a place in Welsh football history as he sets off tonight on the first step of the final stages of what should be qualification for the European Championship finals in France next summer.

Coleman will send his side out in Nicosia to face Cyprus knowing that a win coupled with a win over Israel in Cardiff on Sunday will be enough to send us to our first international finals since 1958.

In those 58 years will have been plenty of near misses and heartache - Scotland, Romania, Russia anyone? - but this time Coleman's side finally have the chance to end that run and ensure that next summer the likes of Gareth Bale, Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor have the chance to test themselves on a bigger international stage.

Wales are up to 9th in the current World rankings and are amongst the top seeds in the world cup qualifying that will start next year but for now Coleman is focused on one thing and one thing only - Cyprus.

Too far ahead is looking at Israel, never mind looking at France," he told UEFA.com.

"The only game we're focusing on now is Cyprus. As soon as that's finished, we will start looking at Israel. All our thoughts, all our concentration at the moment are on Cyprus, simple as that.

"We've had to work hard to earn the trust again from the Welsh public and in turn they've performed for us, they've been unbelievable. It's about continuing that relationship. I think the biggest thing from our public is that they see a group of people for whom representing their country means everything.

"I don't play it down because I think for a long time we have wanted this type of pressure," said the boss. "This type of pressure means you're doing something right and it means you're playing must-win games. It means every time we play we're not in our comfort zone and we're always looking for another big performance. I tell the players to embrace it."

Photo: Action Images

Swansea City Polls