Monday 28 March 2016 07:42, UK
Wales boss Chris Coleman says excitement levels are rising in his squad with the start of Euro 2016 just over two months away.
His side are in Kiev for Monday's clash with Ukraine - Wales' penultimate pre-Euro 2016 friendly - and Coleman believes it will be good preparation for their final group match in this summer's tournament against Russia.
Wales failed to get the winning send-off they wanted in front of their own fans on Thursday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Northern Ireland in Cardiff.
However, Coleman is keen to see his squad members do their country proud in France by making a serious impact on the championship.
"It is getting serious and coming towards us very quickly," he said. "It feels like only yesterday since we walked off the pitch versus Andorra in our opening game and here we are.
"But we cannot wait for that whistle to blow against Slovakia in our first game, and to be somewhere we have dreamed of being for a long time.
"I cannot wait to see our fans enjoying it and it is a dream we have to enjoy. But we will only enjoy it if we produce the goods we need to stay in the tournament and deliver."
Coleman also admitted he hopes he does not end up "with egg on his face" for taking on Ukraine in their own back yard, where a heavy loss could act as a blow to morale so close to the finals in France.
"When you go to someone else's country they make you feel like you have wronged them," said Coleman. "That is how it is in international football, whether it is for points or a friendly. There is always an edge involved in the atmosphere.
"When you go into a hostile environment against a good team you know you can end up with egg on your face if you do not turn up and perform. But I prefer it like this. We are in their backyard in a tough atmosphere, and we have to show we can cope."
