David Vaughan says he is no longer scared of the big names in the Wales side.
David Vaughan has confessed that he used to be intimidated by the presence of star names in the Wales line-up but now believes that he has conquered his shyness.
The Crewe midfielder turned in an outstanding performance on Wednesday night as the Welsh successfully concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign.
But with only five international caps under his belt, Vaughan says that he felt a little out of his depth lining up alongside some of the bigger Welsh names.
"Maybe I was a bit intimidated when I first got into the squad," he confessed.
"I'm a quiet lad and there's so many big names around you. But you just have to get on with it and try to impress.
"I was pleased with the chance when it came along, I was told to play in a forward midfield role just off John Hartson. In fact, it's pretty much how I play for Crewe on the left, getting forward and looking for the ball and for chances."
But although Vaughan is becoming more accustomed to performing on a bigger stage, he is still conscious of the occasional butterfly.
"It's a bit daunting being told you have to get up alongside big John and to have Ryan [Giggs] and Simon [Davies] alongside you.
"But it went well and it was my best game for Wales at any level. I was around the Under-21s for a while but I am too old for that now.
"Those matches were never easy because we were up against some older, very good sides and that is hard. Now I'm happy to be involved in the full squad."
Welsh boss John Toshack was full of plaudits for the youngster, saying: "I don't like singling out players, but David was outstanding. He is a very skilful player and can work well in tight situations.
"There is only one thing worse than giving the ball away and that is not going looking for it, and you can never accuse David of that. I was delighted with him."
