Monday 13 October 2014 16:55, UK
Captain Ashley Williams has warned Wales that Monday night's European Qualifier with Cyprus is a "must-win" game.
Chris Coleman’s side took over top spot in Group B following Friday's goalless draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina and aim to retain that position by beating Cyprus at the Cardiff City Stadium, live on Sky Sports.
Coleman is missing 11 players after Jonathan Williams dropped out of the squad with an ankle injury sustained against Bosnia but Williams believes the special bond that exists in the Welsh camp means they can overcome adversity.
That spirit was reflected by rare huddles before and after the Bosnia clash, the latter orchestrated by Real Madrid star Gareth Bale who Coleman later revealed has become a vocal presence and a leader in the dressing room.
"We do not normally do a huddle with Wales but I felt it was important to get the lads together for some last reminders," Williams said ahead of Cyprus' visit.
"After the game it was Gareth's idea, he said 'let's do a huddle' and we felt like it was a moment for us seeing everyone tired and battered.
"We had got a point and performed well and in that huddle we said we wanted to give the appreciation to the fans.
"I think it shows how together we are, we are a tight group and we are friends and we get on a lot better now than teams gone past. It feels like you are with a club side you play with all the time."
Williams said that atmosphere is reflected around the team hotel where players mix and relax by either playing cards or computer games with each other.
But the Swansea captain says that does not detract from the serious business ahead with qualifying for the European Championship finals in France in two years' time very much on the players' minds.
Even without injured influential midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, Wales tested talented Bosnian opposition to the limit but Williams admits that the decent point earned and their performance last Friday will count for nothing if Cyprus are not conquered.
"The pressure is always on in a group when you have so few games." Williams said.
"We did not get three points on Friday, but even if we had this was one we would always feel we have to win.
"Cyprus are a dangerous team and if we want to do anything in the group it is one we must win."
Williams admitted he was kicking himself after missing a glorious chance against Bosnia late on when Bale delivered a terrific cross but he headed over from inside the six-yard area.
But the central defender, who has only one goal for his country - and that coming over four years ago against Luxembourg, said he just had to relive his miss on television.
"It is natural, I had to see it straight away," Williams said.
"I had a feeling of what happened - I got a little bit ahead of the ball and had to come back a bit, and that is why it went over - and I try not to get too obsessed about it, but you are praying for someone to score after that.
"Ben Davies tried to tell me it is not my job to score but when you get a chance like that it is really.
"The main thing is to keep the clean sheet, but I am desperate for another chance to come my way on Monday and hopefully a different outcome."
