Wales forward Tyler Roberts says that they can send out a message to the bigger nations if they can beat Denmark on Friday evening.
Ryan Giggs’ side can achieve a first-ever promotion for themselves on the international stage in the first round of the Nations League.
Wales are currently top of the League B Group 4, with just one game left. They host Denmark, who reached the Round of 16 in this year’s World Cup. A victory over the Danes would guarantee promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, which would allow them to play sides like France and Germany.
On the prospect of promotion this Friday, the young forward said: “I think it would send a message out that we are becoming a bigger country and we can compete with the top countries in the world.
“Showing our ability and showing we can beat teams like Denmark would be massive for us.”
Roberts has been part of the group of young players, which have been given an opportunity by Ryan Giggs.
He started ahead of Euro 2016 hero Sam Vokes in Wales’ clash with Ireland last month, entrusted in leading the line against a physical side.
But despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, the Leeds United frontman is starting to feel like part of the furniture with Wales now.
Roberts commented: “I think that warming stage has gone now and I need to be a player who’s just involved in the squad, and hopefully I can get many more call-ups, many more minutes and be a big part of it.”
Gloucester-born Tyler Roberts is also part of the Leeds United squad which currently sit third in the Sky Bet Championship this season, with the Elland Road club aiming for promotion this season.
After being injured for six months, suffering a cracked shin in training. He didn’t play under manager Thomas Christiansen who signed him in January but has featured under Marcelo Bielsa.
Bielsa has entrusted the forward in a number of games, where he has to compete with experienced Championship forwards like Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, for a starting berth with the Whites.
“It’s been a big transition, a massive culture change but I think it’s helped everybody and it’s going well,” added Roberts on the impact the Argentinan has made with Leeds.
“To sign for a new club and be injured straight away for a long period was difficult but I had good people around me and, now that I’m playing again, I’m grateful for the opportunities, and I’m hoping to score more goals.
“I always tried to stay positive and hopeful that, when I did come back, I’d get my chances. That’s what pushed me through it. Everyone was positive around me. I never doubted myself.”
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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