World Cup: Wales midfielder Joe Allen targets Scotland showdown as key clash

Joe Allen: Wales midfielder remains hopeful of getting back on track with victory over Scotland

Wales midfielder Joe Allen believes the match with Scotland is the perfect opportunity to revive their flagging World Cup hopes.

Chris Coleman's men face an uphill task after last month's 2-0 reverse to Belgium and the 6-1 drubbing in Serbia.

Wales face a must-win match against their fellow Group A strugglers on Friday as they look to end a run of five successive defeats.

Allen realised the significance of the match and insists the squad are right behind Coleman, when asked about the boss.

"Of course we are," said Allen. "He is a fantastic manager and preparations have been perfect for us.

"After a disappointing defeat you always want to bounce back as quickly as possible, so luckily this game has come around quite quickly.

"But we have also had time to reflect. We have to make sure we put things right in the next game."

"It (the qualifying campaign) is not all over. You have to be confident and faithful that you can still achieve qualification. That is our one and only aim.

"It goes without saying that losing our first two games makes it that much more difficult, but we are looking forward to these two games coming up and getting some points on the board.

"You can't class games as 'must-win'. Obviously there is an added bit of pressure - that is natural after two defeats.

"It is a game where we are confident we can pick up three points - although I'm sure the Scots will feel that way as well."