Pressure on young Dragons

Watch Wales v Azerbaijan live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd September 2008

chris gunter wales

Gunter: Hoping to shine

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Much will be expected of Aaron Ramsey and Chris Gunter when Wales begin their World Cup campaign this weekend.

The talented teenagers play club football for North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham respectively but will be international team-mates when the Welsh face Azerbaijan on Saturday.

The pair share a flat in Chigwell after arriving in the capital shortly after one another, but have had little time to reflect on their moves to the big time as they have been thrown in at the deep end by their respective clubs.

Gunter made his first start of the Premier League season against Chelsea on Sunday while Ramsey has been a regular in Arsene Wenger's first team fold.

"He has been involved in every game there and he had a good pre-season so I think his choice has been justified in what has happened so far," Gunter said on his Gunners flatmate.

"He has already played in a Champions League qualifier, which was a huge game at the time, so it has worked out quite well for him at the moment and as soon as he gets his chance I'm sure he will take it, like he did at Cardiff."

Boost

Gunter also reflected on his first top flight outing at Stamford Bridge last weekend as Spurs fielded the Welshman in both full-back positions, with Gareth Bale occupying the opposite side to his countryman.

"It was nice to get a first start this season for me at Chelsea and to get a positive result," Gunter added.

"I was quite pleased with my own performance so it was a big boost for me.

"It must also have been pleasing for the manager (John Toshack), to see the two of us on either side. I think as a back four we looked quite solid.

"I thought Gareth had a really good game and I was quite pleased with how I did. It's been nice for the Welsh."

Faith

Gunter is now hoping the Welsh contingent at Tottenham can build on their impressive start to the campaign.

He said: "I don't think there are any guarantees in football, whoever you are. I have just been the type of player to get my head down and work.

"It was proved on the weekend that the Spurs boss has got faith in us, with two 19-year-olds on either side of his back line.

"But I don't think it's really about your age. If you are good enough you will play.

"I was pleased to get on the pitch on Sunday and show not only to myself, but to others, that I can do something at that level."