Wales’ Jess Fishlock available for Slovakia tests – Wilkinson

Earlier in October, the Football Association of Wales [FAW] announced Angharad James as the new captain of the women’s side.

Wilkinson believes the Seattle Reign midfielder – who has captained her country on three occasions – was the perfect fit to wear the armband as Wales look to secure a first major tournament appearance.

“I took my time, you may or may not know, to name my captain,” explained Wilkinson.

“I felt it was important to do, not just for me to get to know the players, but also for the players to understand that the person I was choosing was going to be the right one, and it’s definitely Angharad James.

“To see her in the group and how she works with the young players, how she makes sure everyone in the group is being heard and speaks for the quieter women as well, I think is important.”

Wales head into their play-off campaign unbeaten in this campaign having won four matches and drawn two in qualifying, scoring 18 goals across the six games.

They take on a Slovakia side that won just once in six qualifying fixtures, although Wilkinson does not feel their results reflected the talents within their squad.

“I’ve seen all of their games. They’re a team that does what they do very well,” said Wilkinson.

“If you don’t respect them and the talents they have on that field and if you look past them for a second, they’ll hurt you.

“I think they’ve got some underrated talents and I don’t think their results reflect how well they can play at times.”

Wales face Slovakia in Poprad on 25 October before welcoming the same opposition to Cardiff City Stadium four days later.

Should Wales progress to the play-off final, they will take on either Georgia or the Republic of Ireland over two legs, on Friday, 29 November and Tuesday, 3 December with a place at next summer’s finals up for grabs.