Jacobson hoping to lead the way

Last updated : 10 October 2008 By Wales Reporter

The Bristol Rovers full-back, and captain of the Welsh youngsters, has missed the whole season so far with a knee ligament injury.

But he is expected to play his first game of the campaign on Friday, leading the Welsh against England at Cardiff's Ninian Park in the UEFA Championship play-off first leg.

Jacobson said: "Wales have not qualified for a major tournament at any level since the '50s, so for us to get to next summer's finals in Sweden would be great.

"And for me it will be a proud moment as captain to take Wales to those finals, it will put us on the map and a lot of the big teams will not want to play us.

"But we need a big crowd behind us at Ninian Park, so let's hope the Welsh public come out to support us. It could make all the difference."

Jacobson added: "England have a lot of big stars in their squad who are playing in the Premier League week-in, week-out for top teams.

"So it will be difficult for us. But we have a great spirit and a strong squad and if we have everyone fit then we have a good as chance in both games.

"We played against England last season in a friendly, and although we lost, we more than gave them a good game so we know we are capable of matching them."

The 21-year-old will win his 15th cap at this level for the first leg, and said: "I am excited and looking forward to getting back playing for my club and putting the Welsh jersey on.

"And to step back into one of the biggest games ever for the Under-21s, which could see us qualify for our first major tournament, is very special."

Wales secured their place in the play-off by beating Romania 3-0 away from home, just weeks after losing 1-0 to the same opposition in Wrexham.

Jacobson said: "I picked up a ligament injury in pre-season so I missed the opening matches for Rovers and the two vital games against Romania that saw Wales clinch the group.

"I had played in all the games in the qualifying group leading up to that point, and the seven games prior to that.

"It was disappointing not to be part of the squad but I was so pleased for them on the night getting such a great result in Romania.

"Hopefully this has built our confidence up and we can follow this on into the two legs against England.

"I must admit I thought we would struggle away to Romania and maybe not get the result we needed.

"Romania won the first match at Wrexham and they looked solid. And with a few of our boys being called back to the senior squad, it put a lot of pressure on the lads who were left who had to step into what was a massive game.

"But fair play to them, they got the result we needed to reach the play-offs. Now we want to complete the job."

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