Zander Clark has got the taste for more Scotland caps after making his competitive debut in the 2-2 draw in Georgia.

With Angus Gunn injured, the Hearts goalkeeper got the nod for his first Scotland start ahead of Motherwell’s Liam Kelly.

Clark bounced back from the loss of an early goal to make several assured stops including one in the dying seconds following Tynecastle team-mate Lawrence Shankland’s stoppage-time equaliser.

The recognition has been a long time coming for the former St Johnstone player, who was tipped for a call-up long before he first broke into Steve Clarke’s squad in August 2021.

“I am immensely proud,” the 31-year-old said. “I was proud when I got the 45 minutes in France but to get the first competitive one means an awful lot.

“Representing your country is something you dream of as a kid and thankfully I have been able to do it.

“Hopefully I have done enough and I can try and get many more but I know it’s going to be a tough ask. But I am just delighted to eventually get to taste it and it’s something I want more of.

“On a personal level, delighted, as a collective there is obviously a bit of disappointment not to take three points from the game. But we said after it, when you can’t win the game, you just need to make sure you don’t lose it.”

Clark admitted he had to focus on the game rather than his own excitement after hearing he was in the team ahead of Kelly and Robby McCrorie.

“It was just in the pre-match meeting, the manager named the team,” he said.

“The three of us have worked this week in the build-up to it, so it was going to be a tough decision, I was just thankful I managed to get the nod.

“I was obviously delighted but you just need to put it to the back of your mind and concentrate on the game, which I thought I did.

“It’s a proud moment to see your name in the starting line-up but you quickly forget about that and it’s mind on the business.”

Clark showed strong hands to parry several efforts as Georgia displayed how they qualified for the Euro 2024 play-offs with an unbeaten Nations League record.

“As a goalkeeper you want to make saves that can help the team get a result,” he said. “I felt I had a couple of decent ones.

“Obviously you want to prevent the goals but credit to the boys, they made it stuffy for us, pegged us back twice and came back and got the draw in the end.”

The manager gave little away on his plans for the position earlier this week after allowing Clark and Kelly to share duties in France last month.

And the Hearts player is keen to continue in goal for Sunday’s final Group A game against Norway as the Tartan Army finally get the chance to celebrate qualification en masse.

“It will be a great game,” he said. More positive going into it on the back of not losing. Back in front of the crowd at Hampden will be joyous, I would imagine.

“We know it will be a tough game but if we play the way the manager and coaching staff want us to play, we have a right good chance of picking up three points.”

Everton have been deducted 10 points with immediate affect after being found to have breached Premier League financial rules.

The Toffees have confirmed their intention to appeal against the sanction, which relates to the period ending in the 2021-22 season.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at the two other Premier League clubs to be handed a points deduction.

Portsmouth (March 2010)

Portsmouth were deducted nine points in 2010 after the south-coast club went into administration.
The sanction all but rubber-stamped Pompey’s relegation, as they were left 17 points from safety with nine league games remaining.
Despite the off-field issues, with the club reportedly having debts of £65million, Avram Grant took Portsmouth to the FA Cup final that season, where they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea before facing up to life in the Championship.

Middlesbrough (January 1997)

Middlesbrough were given a three-point deduction after postponing a Premier League match at short notice for not having enough fit players to put out a team.
Ahead of the game against Blackburn at Ewood Park, scheduled for Saturday, December 21 1996, Bryan Robson’s already injury-hit squad was further depleted by a virus.
On the Friday morning, Boro were left with only 17 players available – three of them being goalkeepers while five were without a first-team appearance for the club, and so informed the Premier League they would have to call off the game.
Boro were eventually ordered to appear before a Premier League commission, which ruled a three-point deduction would be imposed and the Blackburn match to be replayed.
Robson’s side went on to reach the finals of both the League Cup and FA Cup, losing both, but were relegated from the Premier League by two points.

Everton have been deducted 10 points by an independent commission after being found to have breached Premier League financial rules.

The league referred Everton to the commission in March for an alleged breach of its profitability and sustainability rules in the period ending in the 2021-22 season.

The rules allow clubs to lose a maximum £105million over a three-year period or face sanctions.

Everton issued a statement confirming their intention to appeal against the sanction.

The Premier League said in a statement published on its official website: “During the proceedings, the club admitted it was in breach of the PSRs for the period ending Season 2021/22 but the extent of the breach remained in dispute.

“Following a five-day hearing last month, the Commission determined that Everton FC’s PSR Calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of £124.5million, as contended by the Premier League, which exceeded the threshold of £105million permitted under the PSRs.

“The Commission concluded that a sporting sanction in the form of a 10-point deduction should be imposed. That sanction has immediate effect.”

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is set for a lengthy injury layoff after damaging a knee ligament while on international duty with France.

The 21-year-old damaged his knee during a training session this week as Les Bleus prepared for Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar and returned to Madrid to undergo medical checks.

A statement from Real read: “After tests carried out on Eduardo Camavinga by Real Madrid’s medical team, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the external lateral ligament in his right knee. We are awaiting further developments.”

Camavinga, who can also play at left-back, recently signed a new contract with LaLiga giants Real that runs until June 2029. He has made 116 appearances for the capital club since joining from Rennes in August 2021.

In his relatively short career with Los Blancos he has already amassed a large collection of trophies, including the Champions League, Club World Cup, European Super Cup, LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Tottenham got the "deal of the century" when they signed James Maddison from Leicester City in the summer.

That is the view of their former striker Bobby Zamora, who has been impressed by the start Ange Postecoglou has made as manager after joining from Celtic.

It was a dramatic transfer window for Spurs as they sold talismanic striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, with England international Maddison, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, defender Micky van de Ven and winger Brennan Johnson among the players brought in.

England international Maddison has been ruled out until January with an ankle injury after making a stunning start for Spurs, scoring three goals and five assists in 11 Premier League matches after joining for around £40million.

His form has helped Tottenham fourth in the table, just two points behind leaders Manchester City, with Zamora – who played for the club in the 2003-04 season – liking what he sees.

"They are very impressive," Zamora said to Stats Perform, speaking on the Pro Am Padel Tour.

"The manager, I really like him as well. They have made a couple of good signings and when you see Maddison, he has certainly been on fire.

"I can't believe the price they paid for him and it's the deal of the century to be honest. 

"They're looking in a really good place and it'll be interesting to see if they can continue that form for the whole year or not."

After the international break, Spurs are back in action with a crunch home match against in-form Aston Villa on November 26.

Kane, meanwhile, has made a sensational start with Bayern. He has scored 17 goals in just 11 Bundesliga appearances, the highest total in Europe’s top five leagues, adding five assists as well.

He has scored another four goals in the Champions League too and Zamora understands the England captain's move given his desire to play at the highest level and desire to finally win some silverware.

Zamora added: "He has gone out there to win something, which I don't blame him for. 

"He spent a lot of time at Tottenham and has done fantastically well for them.

"If he wants a bit of silverware, I think he's moved there to Bayern and he's going to get some silverware.

"Plus [it helps] that he has not gone to any rival clubs in and around Spurs."

Wales play their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday.

Automatic qualification is in Wales’ own hands as two closing victories will book their place in Germany next summer.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the main talking points of the game in Yerevan.

Deja vu

The parallels between Wales’ successful Euro 2020 qualification and the current campaign are hard to resist.

Wales reached Euro 2020 with a fast finish – holding 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia to a Cardiff draw before winning in Azerbaijan and downing Hungary after back-to-back summer defeats.

Having suffered another pointless June and just beaten Croatia in Cardiff, Wales head to the Caucasus region again to take on Azerbaijan’s neighbour Armenia before finishing with a visit from Turkey.

Six more points will do.

Brennan’s back

The loss of Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson to injury last month was a big blow.

Johnson’s pace and movement can trouble any defence, but boss Rob Page plugged the gap against Croatia by utilising a three-man forward line of David Brooks, Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore.

All three performed superbly with Wilson claiming a match-winning double.

Johnson is expected to return, however – possibly at the expense of Brooks – with Page also likely to use the pace of Daniel James from the bench.

Midfield promise

There was much wailing in Wales when Joe Allen hung up his international boots following the World Cup in Qatar.

Allen played a massive role over the last decade and midfield was seen as a problem area in the wake of his departure.

But Ethan Ampadu, with nearly 50 caps at the age of 23, has shown his leadership qualities in striking up an effective partnership with 19-year-old Jordan James.

The pair were magnificent in getting the better of Croatia’s much-vaunted midfield last month.

Repeat or revenge?

Wales have failed to beat Armenia in three meetings.

There were two draws in 2002 World Cup qualifying, 2-2 in Yerevan when John Hartson scored a brace, before a goalless Cardiff clash.

Wales were expected to breeze past Armenia – 71 places below them on the FIFA rankings when they met in June – but a 4-2 defeat damaged their Euro 2024 qualification hopes.

More than one Welsh player has mentioned avenging that loss in the build-up to the Yerevan return.

Yellow peril

Defensive pair Chris Mepham and Neco Williams will be walking disciplinary tightropes in Armenia.

Both players have picked up two bookings in the campaign, and a third would rule them out of Tuesday’s final qualifier against Turkey.

Wales have yet to lose any player to three bookings, although Joe Morrell and Kieffer Moore served two-match bans for respective red cards against Turkey and Armenia in the summer.

What the papers say

Striker Ivan Toney will demand a transfer release clause if he is to sign a new contract with Brentford, according to The Sun.

Kylian Mbappe has agreed on a deal with Paris St Germain to forgo significant bonuses, according to the Daily Mail. But the France striker, 24, is still to sign a new contract.

Manchester City will compete with Liverpool to re-sign Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane, 27, reports The Sun.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Finley Gorman: Manchester City have agreed on a £1.2million deal to sign the 15-year-old Leeds attacking midfielder, says Football Insider.

Jakub Kiwior: Arsenal are open to letting the Polish 23-year-old leave the club on loan as he is keen on more first-team football, according to 90min.

United States and Panama both placed a foot in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final and, by extension, next year's Copa America, after they registered identical 3-0 victories in the first legs of their respective League A quarterfinals on Thursday.

United States vs. Trinidad and Tobago

A late surge earned the United States victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Antonee Robinson had a goal and an assist, as the United States scored three goals in the final 10 minutes of regular time to secure a healthy cushion going into Monday’s return leg.

As expected, United States dominated proceedings from the start, but they posed little threat in front of goal against a well-organised Trinidad and Tobago defence.

A second yellow card to Noah Powder in the 37th, saw the Soca Warriors down to 10 men with more than a half to play, and that prompted their host to commit numbers forward even more in search of the opening goal.

Trinidad and Tobago were stout-hearted and defiant at the back, especially goalkeeper Denzil Smith, whose confidence grew by saving a Yunus Musah attempt from distance and then a Sergino Dest shot.

However, their resistance was inevitably broken in the 81st, when Robinson’s cross from the left wing was flicked in by Ricardo Pepi to make it 1-0 to the home side.

While the goal inspired United States to push for more, it broke the hearts of the Trinidadians, and they imploded defensively as a result. Minutes after supplying the assist on the go-ahead goal, Robinson added a goal himself with a powerful left-footed finish in the 86th.

United States were keen to tack on one more before the final whistle and they did it in the 89th when Gio Reyna gathered a pass Folarin Balogun and fired into net to complete the 3-0 scoreline.

Costa Rica vs. Panama

Panama for the second straight time outclassed Costa Rica in a Nations League fixture at the Estadio Saprissa in San Jose.

After defeating the Ticos 1-0 in Costa Rica in the 2022-23 Nations League group stage, the Canaleros achieved the same feat, this time by a wider scoreline.

It was a dream start for Panama, as a picture-perfect fourth-minute free kick Michael Murillo went blazing into the top right corner of the net.

Panama remained on the front foot, and they doubled their advantage in the 29th when a miscued clearance from Costa Rica's defence allowed Jose Fajardo to swoop in and finish a right-footed effort.

Costa Rica sought a response and Jimmy Marin went close to pulling a goal back with a 33rd-minute shot that grazed the post.

Costa Rica mounted pressure to start the second half, but it allowed Panama to counterattack with space, and the visitors made the most of a break in the 60th. That play ended with Adalberto Carrasquilla sliding a pass into Cecilio Waterman, whose finish made it 3-0.

With the three-goal cushion, Panama played to their liking, but also kept the Costa Rican attack at bay, as they saw out the remainder of the contest for the win.

Guadeloupe consolidated their lead atop Group A in League B of the Concacaf Nations League, following a 2-0 win over St Maarten, while St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis played out a goalless draw on Thursday.

The results saw Guadeloupe move to 12 points, two points ahead of St Lucia on 10 points, as they chase promotion to League A. St Kitts and Nevis and St Maarten are on four and three points respectively.

St Kitts and Nevis vs. St Lucia

It was a night of mishits for St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre.

Ronaldo Belgrove had a driving effort towards goal in the third minute, but St Lucia's Melvin Doxilly averted the danger.

Belgrove had a better look two minutes later with a rifle towards goal, but this time goalkeeper Vino Barclett got in the way.

Omari Sterling-James of St Kitts and Nevis tried his luck in the 25th, while Raheem Somersall had an attempt five minutes later.

Caniggia Elva had the best chance for the visitors in the 41st, but goalkeeper Julani Archibald proved equal to the task.

Both teams continued to give as good as they got, as they continued to throw their weight in attack, but couldn't find the elusive winner.

St Maarten vs. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe continued winning ways against St Maarten at the Wildey Turf Stadium in Wildey, Barbados.

They generated quality chances early with Matthias Phaeton getting a look on frame in the 10th minute.

Imar Kort had the best look for St Maarten in the 23rd with a hit from the middle of the field.

Ange Plumain also went close in the 39th, with Phaeton again proving a menace in the 45th, but failed to get on target for the breakthrough.

It wasn't until the 65th minute that the deadlock was finally broken courtesy of Plumain, who made no mistakes from close range.

Phaeton should have extended the lead in the 70th, but again failed to get his effort on goal at that point.

Kort had a direct shot towards goal, but goalkeeper Davy Rouyard was on hand to deny the effort.

Phaeton found the back of the net five minutes into second half stoppage time to ice the game and seal the three points.

Both Dominica and Aruba clinched promotion to League B after they registered contrasting away victories in their respective League C Concacaf Nations League encounters on Thursday.

British Virgin Islands vs. Dominica

Dominica will be back in familiar territory in League B for the next edition of the Nations League, as they sealed promotion with a 2-1 win over British Virgin Islands in Group C at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in Road Town, BVI.

With the result, Dominica are guaranteed of top spot in the three-team group with a match to spare. They are on seven points, while BVI, on five points, remain in the mix for promotion as the best-ranked second-place team in League C.

After playing out a goalless first half, where both teams created chances, the best of which fell to BVI, as Luka Chalwell's shot that was saved, while Taylor Scarff's header was tipped over the crossbar by Glenson Prince, in goal for Dominica.

Dominica's best effort in the first 45 minutes, fell to Javid George, whose right-footed effort came back off the post.

However, Dominica’s pressure finally bore fruit in the 52nd minute, as George played a cut-back pass to Audel Laville, who bounced home a shot for a 1-0 lead.

BVI replied 11 minutes later courtesy of T’Sharne Gallimore in the 63rd. Gallimore received a pass and then made a slick cut before curling a right-footed shot into net to make it 1-1.

But Dominica regained the ascendancy in the 68th through Eustace Marshall, who expertly headed home after being left unmarked in front of goal.

Dominica fended off a late BVI charge to nail down the precious three points and secure their place in League B.

US Virgin Islands vs. Aruba

Aruba are also on their way back to League B thanks to their 4-1 triumph over United States Virgin Islands in Group B at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in Saint Croix.

The victory gives Aruba nine points from three games, five points ahead of second-place Cayman Islands.

It was an ideal start for Aruba, who grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 23rd through Jaydon Dania, who tapped in a cross from Benjamin Maria.

Aruba kept their foot on the gas, and doubled the advantage before halftime and it came in sensational fashion, as Rovien Ostiana launched a shot from over 50 yards out that sailed over the head of USVI's goalkeeper Dylan Ramos to make it 2-0 at the break.

USVI came out strong on the resumption and pulled one back in the 47th when Quinn Farrell headed in a weighted free kick from Zahmyre Harris.

Aruba restored their two-goal cushion in the 52nd, with Maria once again playing provider for Ostiana, who applied a tidy finish.

Maria then took one of his own when he converted from the penalty spot to cap the win and the three points for Aruba.

Luis Diaz scored twice as Colombia stunned Brazil 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, days after his father was released by kidnappers.

The Liverpool striker netted twice in four minutes late in the second half, watched by his father Luiz Manuel Diaz who was held for 12 days before his release last week.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli had put Brazil in front after just four minutes.

Colombia’s first win over Brazil for eight years lifts them into third in the South American qualifying table with Brazil, who suffered a second successive defeat in the competition, down to fifth.

On a night of surprises, goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez saw Uruguay beat Argentina 2-0.

Lionel Messi struggled to impose himself, hitting the crossbar in the second half as Argentina’s 100% record since lifting the World Cup was ended.

Uruguay’s win lifts them to second in the table, two points behind Argentina.

Venezuela are in fourth after a goalless draw with Ecuador, Chile and Paraguay also drawing a blank while Bolivia won the battle of the bottom two with a 2-0 win over Peru.

Trent Alexander-Arnold believes he seized on an opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate when he starred in a midfield role against Malta last season and his “newfound excitement” about the position has left him targeting a starting berth at Euro 2024.

Despite a host of eye-catching appearances at right-back for Liverpool as they won the Premier League and Champions League, Alexander-Arnold found his pathway to the England side blocked by strong competition from the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James.

Southgate, though, wanted to give the marauding full-back a chance in midfield and, despite initially being criticised for doing so by club manager Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold has now started to operate in that role for Liverpool.

He could come into the England side that hosts Malta at Wembley on Friday night, with a number of other options missing through injury, and he is now listed as a midfielder when Southgate names his squad.

But it was the reverse fixture against Malta in June when Alexander-Arnold felt he had a chance to show what he could do in the middle of the park and he put on a fine show against the Group C minnows, scoring his second England goal in the process.

“I would say the Malta game was my best performance in an England shirt,” the 25-year-old said.

“It was one that I felt going into it that I had confidence. It was a big opportunity for me. I knew I needed to perform and I wanted to perform.

“I had spoken to the manager prior to the game, leading up to that camp specifically, about an opportunity and he explained to me there could be a potential opportunity in midfield going forward for me.

“When I heard those words, it ignited something within me. There was a chance for me to go out there and take it and I think that’s what I did. Hopefully I’ll be able to build on that.”

While he has made 287 appearances for Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold has just 21 senior England caps to date.

Now though, with Euro 2024 on the horizon, he wants to nail down a place in Southgate’s side and feels his new-look role gives him the best chance of doing so.

“Since we spoke in the summer, me and the manager, about a midfield opportunity and to see if we could make it work, there has been a newfound excitement for me,” he said.

“It is a huge opportunity and it is one I am grateful to have, but also making sure I take it. It still early days, I haven’t had much experience in there so I’m still learning on the job and it’s about picking it up as much as I can when I am in there.

“I’ve had some opportunities, I’ve had games, I’ve had minutes. But now I feel like there’s a real opportunity for me, especially in a role that I think will get the best out of me.

“Every game for me between now and the end of the season and any time I’m performing, it’s to earn a place to start in the Euros.”

Asked if going to the Euros as a midfielder was now a target, Alexander-Arnold added: “Massively so, it is something I think about often, it is something that motivates me.

“When I’m here, when I’m not here, I’m constantly thinking about trying to get into the team for the summer, how I can do that and how I can take the opportunities I’m given to make sure I’m part of the plans for the summer.

“It is a target I have set for myself and I think, with the help of the manager and the staff and analysts, it is something I can do.”

Cristiano Ronaldo increased his world-record tally of international goals to 128 as Portugal extended their perfect Euro 2024 qualifying record with a 2-0 win in Liechtenstein.

After a frustrating goalless first half for Roberto Martinez’s side, who top Group J on maximum points, Portugal almost broke the deadlock seconds after the restart when Ronaldo fired against the post from close range.

The 38-year-old, though, was soon celebrating his latest goal for his country, a 10th of the current campaign, when he was played into the left side of the penalty area by Diogo Jota and rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

Joao Cancelo added a second just before the hour with a neat finish from a tight angle past stranded Iceland goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel, while Joao Felix saw his effort ruled out for offside.

Portugal, who complete their qualifying campaign at home to Iceland on Sunday, had the ball in the net again with seven minutes left when Goncalo Ramos stabbed in from close range following a free-kick.

The goal, though, was eventually ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR check and review by the referee on the pitchside monitor.

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Slovakia secured qualification as runners-up with a 4-2 win over Iceland in Bratislava.

Orri Oskarsson headed Iceland into an early lead, before Juraj Kucka equalised and Ondrej Duda’s penalty turned things around.

Lukas Haraslin struck twice for Slovakia in the second half, with Andri Gudjohnsen scoring a late second for Iceland.

Luxembourg beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, with both sides set to go into the play-offs.

Spain took control at the top of Group A with a 3-1 win in Cyprus.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal gave the visitors an early lead after just five minutes, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Real Madrid forward Joselu putting Spain 3-0 up at the break.

Cyprus – who suffered an eighth straight loss in Group A – scored a consolation goal with 15 minutes left through substitute Kostas Pileas.

Scotland, who like Spain are already sure of a place in Germany next summer, fought back to draw 2-2 away against Georgia with a stoppage-time header from Lawrence Shankland.

Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put the hosts in front after 15 minutes, before Scott McTominay equalised early in the second half for his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign.

Kvaratskhelia restored Georgia’s lead in the 57th minute, but Hearts striker Shankland – a late call-up to the squad – had the final say when he headed home Stuart Armstrong’s cross two minutes into added time.

Spain are two points clear of Scotland heading into their last group fixture on Sunday against Georgia, who are set to go into the play-offs via their Nations League ranking, while the Scots host Norway.

Hungary qualified from Group G after an own goal from Bulgaria midfielder Alex Petkov deep into stoppage time saw them salvage a 2-2 draw in Sofia.

Martin Adam headed Hungary into a 10th-minute lead from a free-kick by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, but Spas Delev soon had the hosts level.

Bulgaria were reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute when Valentin Antov collected a second caution, while Hungary saw winger Milos Kerkez dismissed just before the hour for two bookings.

Kiril Despodov then put Bulgaria, bottom of the table, in front from the penalty spot with 12 minutes left.

Just as it seemed Hungary would not get the point they needed to qualify with seven minutes of stoppage time played, Petkov headed Szoboszlai’s corner into his own net.

Later on Thursday, Montenegro beat Lithuania 2-0 in Podgorica to keep alive their qualification hopes.

In Group F, Sweden suffered a first defeat to Azerbaijan as they lost 3-0 in Baku.

Early goals from Emin Mahmudov and Renat Dadashov saw Azerbaijan 2-0 up after just six minutes against the already-eliminated Swedes, who were playing for the first time since their game against Belgium was abandoned a month ago after two people were shot dead in Brussels.

In the 56th minute, Azerbaijan defender Behlul Mustafazade was shown a red card early for hauling down Viktor Gyokeres as he ran clear, before Mahmudov scored a late third from long range.

Austria ended their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory away in Estonia to move two points clear at the top of the group above Belgium, who still have one fixture left

Harry Wilson admits the onus was on him to step out of Gareth Bale’s shadow and keep Wales on track for major tournaments.

Boss Rob Page revealed recently he spoke to Wilson last summer and told him he was no longer simply a squad member and that he is a “big player” for Wales.

Wilson responded with a hand in both goals in September’s 2-0 win in Latvia, and then scored twice in the stunning 2-1 victory over World Cup semi-finalists Croatia last month.

Those two wins lifted Wales up to second in Group D and they will qualify automatically for Euro 2024 by taking six points from their final two games, away to Armenia on Saturday and at home to Turkey three days later.

“Gaz provided a lot of moments for us on the pitch in times that we needed him,” Fulham forward Wilson said of Wales’ record scorer Bale, who retired from football in January.

“So for me being an attacking player, I need to start stepping up in those moments, and thankfully I was able to do that in the Croatia game.

“I’m not stupid, I know I wasn’t the first on the team sheet because we had Gaz at Real Madrid and ‘Rambo’ (Aaron Ramsey) at Arsenal and then Juventus.

“They were playing regular football at the top level and it felt like they produced in every game.

“I wasn’t happy with that because I wanted to be playing, but now with players leaving, I think there’s a spot there for me and I’d like to think that I have stepped up.”

Wilson won his 50th cap against Croatia, 10 years to the day since becoming Wales’ youngest-ever male player at the age of 16 years and 207 days.

Affectionately known as ‘The King of Corwen’ by Wales fans, Wilson has also stepped up off the pitch as part of a leadership group.

He said: “It’s not just Gaz leaving, Joe (Allen) left as well as a couple of senior players who made sure that the standards are always up there.

“I’ve gone from maybe one of the younger ones in the squad to being one of the oldest quite quickly.

“We had a little meeting during the last camp that ‘Rambo’, Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu and myself were in.

“It’s a group of lads who want to make sure the standards are set every day, making sure everything is right off the pitch so we can perform on it.

“I’m not the one who’s going to be barking orders on the pitch, but I like to lead in a different way and doing stuff right. On the pitch, I want to lead with the ball and try to make stuff happen.”

Wales will be looking towards Wilson again as they attempt to reach a fourth major tournament out of five and avenge June’s shock 4-2 home defeat to Armenia.

He said: “We know what we did wrong in that game and we know what we’ve got to do on Saturday to put that right.

“For sure we owe them one. They played a fantastic game, but we also know we weren’t at the levels we’ve been at since. If we can perform like we did against Croatia, I’m pretty confident we can get a result.”

Gareth Southgate showed footage of Sir Bobby Charlton to his squad ahead of England paying tribute to the 1966 World Cup winner at Wembley.

The jewel in the crown for club and country, the news of Charlton’s death at the age of 86 on October 21 reverberated around the world.

Southgate was at Charlton’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral on Monday and further tributes will be paid to the England and Manchester United great on Friday evening at Wembley.

The Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta is the senior men’s team’s first match since Charlton’s death and a crowd mosaic is planned, along with a video celebrating his life.

There will be a pre-match ceremony, period of applause and players will wear black armbands in memory of a man whose importance to English football was reiterated to the squad this week.

“A big part of what we’ve wanted to do with our players is to talk about our identity as a team,” England boss Southgate said.

“Part of that is knowing the history of our team and having an understanding of how special some of the players that have been England internationals before are.

“We’ve had the chance to do that this week. We showed some footage of Sir Bobby to the players, the first day we arrived.

“A reminder that, of course, even a Liverpool man (like Trent Alexander-Arnold next to me) given Bobby’s performances with England can relate to his importance for English football.

“You can have a fabulous club career and an international career.

“At times those things can come into conflict because club managers of course have got to look after their own roles and responsibilities, and that can put players in difficult positions with all international teams, frankly.

“But your international team will always be there as well and if you can win something with your international team, it’s probably bigger than anything else you’re going to experience.

“So, there were lots of messages within that for all of the players but, most importantly, an incredible player, an incredible man.”

Southgate has underlined the history and importance of representing England throughout his reign, with their training pitch at St George’s Park renamed in Charlton’s honour in 2017.

The former defender has overseen an impressive turnaround in performances and a reconnection with supporters since first taking charge, initially on a temporary basis, in October 2016.

That match was a home qualifier against Malta and the Mediterranean minnows return to Wembley for the first since then in Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier.

England secured progress with two games to spare and it appears can seal their place among the top seeds by winning on Friday, yet Southgate is never far away from criticism.

“Well, the reality of that is however well we play tomorrow people will just say it’s a lower ranked opponent, so it’ll be irrelevant,” he said with a laugh.

“People are going to have opinions. I’m probably tired of trying to fight that.

“In the end, it will be what it is. So, I’ll just let our results and performances speak for themselves.

“You’re never going to please everybody, so the best way as a football manager is keep winning matches, frankly.”

Southgate heads into England’s final home match of 2023 without a glut of key players, with five withdrawing, two absent for part of this week and three new faces brought in.

Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer and Ezri Konsa will be dreaming of making their debut, but the likes of Anthony Gordon remain on the outside looking in.

The 22-year-old has shone for Newcastle this season and reports have emerged that Scotland are looking to call up the England Under-21 European champion.

“He’s a good player,” Southgate said. “He was very good with our Under-21s last year. He’s very close, I have to say.

“I like his attitude, I like the way he works so hard for the team.

“Of course, I’m sure he was hoping to get a call at this moment, but there are good players playing well in that position on the field.

“But I think, like a couple of others, they’ve always got to think a little bit further ahead as to, you know, opportunities that can come up.

“I think for somebody like Anthony that’s eminently possible with us.”