Hal Robson-Kanu: Wales qualification would be fitting tribute to Gary Speed

08 October 2015 09:46

Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu believes Euro 2016 qualification will provide the perfect tribute to the late Gary Speed.

Chris Coleman's side are within a point of reaching the European Championship in France next summer and have two opportunities to get it in the closing two qualifiers, away to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday and at home to group whipping boys Andorra on Tuesday.

But Reading striker Robson-Kanu has no hesitation identifying the catalyst for Wales' success as former manager Speed, who laid the foundations of the current squad before his death at the age of 42 in November 2011.

"When Gary Speed took over a number of years ago he came in and changed the environment in the football nation," Robson-Kanu said.

"Before that there wasn't really a desire to win, to be the best, and to do as well as you can.

"But Speedo really implemented that and, unfortunately when he passed, Chris Coleman came in and has now really taken that on and beyond.

"He's really taken the squad and the team forward and given us players the belief and desire to really achieve something.

"That is what we're on the verge of but, throughout the special moments we've had during the campaign, we've remembered the impact Speedo had when he came in. That will never be forgotten."

Wales is preparing for a huge sporting weekend with both Welsh rugby and football teams in action on Saturday night.

And the nation will be on a real high if Coleman's side pick up a point in Bosnia and the rugby team rubber-stamp their World Cup quarter-final place by beating Australia at Twickenham and winning their pool.

"We have been following all the rugby and it's a massive buzz to see them doing well too," Robson-Kanu said.

"It could be a great sporting day. Our focus will be fully on Bosnia and as soon as we kick-off we will be looking to get the result at the final whistle.

"But it's brilliant. You can really feel the buzz in the nation and in the city centre with the fans.

"There's a massive excitement and a feel-good factor but, for us as footballers, we're looking to really kick-start what could be a few special decades for Welsh football."

Robson-Kanu has forged an effective strike partnership with Real Madrid's Gareth Bale as Wales have remained unbeaten in Euro qualification to top the Group B standings.

Although he has only scored twice in his 28 international appearances, Robson-Kanu's pace and movement has occupied defenders and he has been an effective foil for talisman Bale.

And the 26-year-old's contribution has not gone unnoticed as he has become the subject of a song heard throughout last month's Euro 2016 qualifier against Israel.

"It's some job getting a song for my name and credit to the Barry Horns band," said Robson-Kanu.

"It's a massive honour to have them singing my name like that.

"Being a national cult hero is special - but it's handy when you're playing next to Gareth Bale."

Source: PA