MORGAN READY FOR ROMAN SIEGE

Pavlyuchenko - threat for Wales.

Wales rookie Craig Morgan believes he is ready for a showdown with Russia's giant striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, Tottenham's new £13.8million signing from CSKA Moscow.

Morgan, 23, has found himself on the front line for Wales due to injuries to first-choice defenders James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Lewin Nyatanga.

It has meant the Peterborough skipper has found himself paired with Swansea's new boy Ashley Williams at the heart of Wales' defence.

The pair managed to keep a clean sheet on Saturday in the opening World Cup qualifying group match at home to Azerbaijan.

The 1-0 win in Cardiff will send the Wales squad to Moscow in good spirits ahead of Wednesday's next group four match against Russia in the Lokomotiv stadium.

And that is where Morgan will run into Pavlyuchenko for the toughest assignment of his career.

He said: "I really don't know what the manager is going to do in Moscow in terms of personnel and formation, so we'll have to wait and see.

"If we go to three at the back or we stay with four it makes no difference to me because I'm comfortable with both. We still have the same job to do in terms of defending so that is all that matters.

"Russia are obviously going to be a much better team, so we'll be under a bit more pressure at the back and we will have to try and stand strong."

And of the potential clash with Pavlyuchenko, Morgan said: "You look forward to testing yourself against very good players, that is what it is all about and if we had it easy every week there would be little point in playing.

"We are not kidding ourselves, we know it will be a very difficult game because they have quality players throughout the team. But if we could take a point that would give us four from six and would represent a positive start."

Wales are expected to make a decision after this morning's training session whether Jason Koumas (ankle) and Gareth Bale (groin) are fit to make the trip.

But Morgan is confident Wales can add to their good display in the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "I thought our performance was pretty good. We put a lot of crosses in and we had quite a few shots, but the main thing was the three points. The win means we can go into Wednesday night's game with a little bit of confidence.

"We didn't have too much to do at the back and keeping a clean sheet is what we are there for, so that's always pleasing for a defender, whatever the game."