Hughes eyes Wales' play-off rivals

Mark Hughes admits he has already started to look at Wales' potential play-off rivals.

Mark Hughes admits he has already started to look at Wales' potential play-off rivals.

The Welsh achieved a tension-packed 1-1 draw in Cardiff last night to guarantee at least second spot in Euro 2004 qualifying Group Nine and are now likely to face a two-legged play-off in November.

The chances of them finishing top are remote because Italy are one point clear and have bottom-placed Azerbaijan at home in their final group game next month.

Victory for Italy is expected and would throw Wales into a draw that will include Holland, and may also include England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, among others.

READ MORE

It is a daunting task for Wales, but Hughes said: "We have started to look at the possible countries we could meet in the play-offs. It is just forward planning but we will have to wait until the draw to really know.

"We were the fourth-seeded team in the group so to finish above Serbia & Montenegro and Finland is a magnificent achievement.

"It is still possible to qualify from the group as winners, but it is unlikely now considering the fixtures that are left.