Ramsey readied for starting role

Wales' new golden boy Aaron Ramsey is expected to make his full debut for his country against the might of Germany in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Wednesday's game will see the 18 year-old - who has yet to start a Barclays Premier League match at Arsenal - win his fourth cap, and his first from kick-off.

Such is Wales boss John Toshack's desire to salvage some pride in the World Cup Group Four qualifier, and to give Ramsey some vital first-team experience, the £5million youngster will now find himself facing up to Michael Ballack and company.

Toshack has hitherto been reluctant to throw Ramsey in at the deep end, but after Saturday's shattering 3-0 home defeat by Finland, Wales' qualification hopes are all but over.

So Ramsey will be presented as the hope for the future, having figured just 20 times in an Arsenal shirt this term - 11 times as a substitute - with his Champions League cameo appearances the high point.

In truth, the Welsh public have been willing the former Cardiff youngster into the team for some while, such is the star quality they believe he has.

"It does not concern me what is written and said about me, or anything like that. All I can do is the best I can when I do get selected," said Ramsey.

"But all my family plan to be at the Millennium Stadium for the match.

"I am aware of what the Wales fans want from me, but I do not think or worry about that. I'm only interested in working hard to improve my game.

"We all have to earn the right to be given a chance, we all have to impress the manager and show we are ready."