This international break is crucial for Wales who know their World Cup fate is in their own hands, beginning with a Play-Off semi-final meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday evening.
With four Leeds United players in the Dragons’ squad, the nation will then face either Italy or Northern Ireland if victorious for a spot at the summer’s tournament.
But for defender Joe Rodon, the team aren’t getting carried away and are under no illusions as to the size of the challenge in Cardiff in their opener.
“It is huge,” the centre-half began as he discussed the upcoming encounter. “Playing for your country is always an amazing honour and emotion as well.
“I think the expectations have changed now. I think the players paved it for us with the unbelievable tournament in 2016 and it has just gradually gotten bigger.
“Wales are kind of, you know, in that bracket now where there is just more pressure, you kind of expect to qualify for things.
“Of course, the World Cup is the biggest stage. There is a semi-final and hopefully a final to be played. So yeah, we will give everything and hopefully put on a show and try to be successful for the country.
“There are quite a few of us that were a part of that Play-Offs before and, yeah, I think it is only going to benefit the team and drive us forward being in them moments. So hopefully we can be the ones of course to lead the team this time and hopefully we can be successful.”
Discussing working under boss Craig Bellamy, Rodon added: “I think I have learned so much from him and his team. In training and learning off him, I have loved every minute. I can’t wait to be a part of it again and hopefully be successful.”
