Craig Bellamy says finishing second in their World Cup qualifying group would be "massive” for Wales.
Wales host unbeaten North Macedonia in their final qualifier on Tuesday in a battle for the runners-up spot behind Belgium, who are expected to complete the formalities of topping Group J against Liechtenstein in Liege.
North Macedonia’s superior goal difference means Wales have to win to climb above them and get home advantage in the play-offs.
If they do not, Wales will be among the bottom seeds in the play-off draw and left with a tough assignment away to a pot one nation, which includes Italy.
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Discussing the play-off scenarios ahead of the game at a press conference, Wales manager Bellamy described the game as "massive".
He added: “I can lie and say it’s not. But, come on, to finish second and have a home game is huge."
The Wales boss said: "Just my experience of watching Wales down the years and being able to qualify for major tournaments, being at home is a huge advantage."
Craig Bellamy has admitted that finishing second in their World Cup qualifying group is 'massive' for Wales
|PA
Wales battled through a nervous night in Liechtenstein on Saturday to win 1-0 against opponents ranked a lowly 206 in the world.
It was a difficult occasion that saw midfield pair Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James pick up suspensions which them out of the crucial North Macedonia clash.
But Bellamy, who never qualified for a major tournament during his own Wales playing career, has embraced the pressure of the group being decided in the final games.
He said: "I like the fact that we’ve got something on this game. I like the fact that we had something on the Liechtenstein and Belgium games."
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Wales host unbeaten North Macedonia in their final qualifier on Tuesday in a battle for the runners-up spot behind Belgium
|PA
The Welshman added: "It’s a new experience for me because when I was playing the last three or four games we had nothing to play for, so this is quite nice.
"We know we need to win, but we have to be patient as well. That’s the key because North Macedonia do defend deep.
"They are happy not to have possession but they do have counter-attacking ability, so we have to be aware of that.”
Bellamy has named Harry Wilson as his third captain in as many games, with Ben Davies injured and Ampadu suspended.
Bellamy has named Harry Wilson as his third captain in as many games, with Ben Davies injured and Ampadu suspended
|PA
The 28-year-old Fulham forward will lead Wales for the first time as he marks his 67th cap for the national team.
Wilson said: “Everyone would much rather Ben and Ethan were playing, because we know what important players they are for us."
“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’m one of the senior players now and this is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time.”
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