Arabic version: ويلكينسون تستهدف شباكاً نظيفة لويلز أمام ألبانيا

According to BBC News, Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson has identified a clean sheet and a strong performance as the initial aims for Friday’s Women’s World Cup play-off semi-final first leg against Albania.

Wales will play at the 16,000-capacity Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder before the return match in Llanelli next Tuesday. They beat Albania twice in the qualifying group stage in April, winning 4-0 at home and 1-0 away. “I’ll stick with a clean sheet and a strong performance,” Wilkinson said.

Wales are missing nine regular squad members through injury: Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Rhiannon Roberts, Hayley Ladd, Ella Powell, Laura Hughes, Mia Ross, Ffion Morgan and Ceri Holland. The absences have given the travelling squad a youthful look, including six uncapped players.

Wilkinson said Wales can adapt because younger players regularly train with the senior group. Soffia Kelly, Lucy Farrell-Shrouder, Cadi Rodgers, Heidi Hills, Casi Gregson and Olivia Francis are yet to be capped, while several other players have limited international experience. Wilkinson said the inexperienced players are ready if called upon.

Albania are ranked 68th in the world, 37 places below Wales, though Wilkinson expects a difficult contest. The winners will face Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in early December, with a World Cup place in Brazil at stake.