Hughes tips Wales to shine

Former Wales boss Mark Hughes believes the current squad has the quality to enjoy a ‘great summer’ at Euro 2016 in France.

The Principality ended their long wait, stretching back to the 1958 World Cup finals, to qualify for a major tournament by reaching the European Championship courtesy of a second-placed finish behind Belgium in qualification Group B.

Wales’ recent friendly results – a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland in Cardiff and 1-0 defeat away against Ukraine – have left some question marks over how they will perform on the big stage this summer.

However, Stoke boss Hughes, who managed his country between 1999 and 2004, pointed out that the squad was devoid of star man Gareth Bale along with Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and West Ham defender James Collins for those games.

And with those influential figures back for the finals, he is expecting the Welsh to surprise a few sides as they battle it out in Group B with England, Russia and Slovakia.

Hughes said: “I think Wales are a good side when everybody’s fit and well and playing at the top of their level.

“Wales on their day can test teams. Everyone’s looking forward to it and it’s going to be a great summer hopefully for Welsh football.”

Meanwhile, Hughes has urged the Football Association of Wales to tie down boss Chris Coleman to a new deal or risk losing him after Euro 2016 when his current contract expires.

He added: “There are a lot of clubs that will look at him and the work he’s done and think that he could a similar job for them.

“Chris will have a big decision himself whether he thinks he’s getting the support that his success deserves so I’m sure the discussions are ongoing.”

Wales are 5.00 to win Group B while they can be backed at 1.67 to qualify for the knockout stage of Euro 2016.