World Cup Quallifier Group 6

Wales boss Mark Hughes is weighing up his full back options ahead of the opening Group 6 game against Azerbaijan in Baku.

With left-back Ben Thatcher definitely out with a hamstring problem, Hughes is considering either Cardiff defender Danny Gabiddon, Tranmere’s Gareth Roberts, or captain Gary Speed as replacements for the role.

Midfielder Robbie Savage has urged his teammates not to take their opponents lightly, despite scoring back to back victory over them during the recent Euro 2004 preliminaries.

“We’ve been there once and the lads performed brilliantly over there, but it is going to be a different kettle of fish this time.

“Azerbaijan have got a new manager and are supposed to be a lot better” added the Birmingham City player.

With the Welsh then facing Northern Ireland in Cardiff 4 days later, they know that a strong start may be imperative to their chances of qualification for the finals.

“Anything less than four points would be a disaster,” Wales midfielder Savage told the BBC.

“We are looking for six points. If we do what we’re good at and continue what we have done in the last six or seven games, we’ll be okay.”