Ben Davies says he is “incredibly proud” to captain Wales for the rest of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The Tottenham defender, 30, is set to lead his country in two matches this month and two in November after injury ruled out regular skipper Aaron Ramsey.
Wales face Gibraltar in a friendly in Wrexham on Wednesday before hosting Croatia in Cardiff on Sunday in a qualifier of huge importance.
Cardiff City midfielder Ramsey, 32, is absent with a knee injury and Davies added: “It gives the boys who have come in, during his absence before, another chance to show what they can do and we’re excited for the games.
“It (captaincy) is something I’m incredibly proud to do. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve done it before, but it’s nice going into the games knowing the situation we’re in and I’m ready for it.”
Davies has captained Wales on a short-term basis in the past, most notably against England at Wembley in 2020 and in a friendly against South Korea last month.
Wales manager Robert Page said he was also close to being named permanent captain when Ramsey took the armband following the retirement of Gareth Bale earlier this year.
Davies was named vice-captain instead, underlining his status as one of the squad’s most influential figures.
“I’ve been seen as one of the leaders in the group for a while now so it doesn’t feel too different,” Davies said of his role.
“I’ll just be myself, stick to the values I’ve got and hopefully get the boys going for the games.”
Davies takes the captaincy at a time when Wales’ hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2024 hang in the balance.
Page’s side are fourth in Group D, trailing joint leaders Turkey and Croatia by three points as they aim to reach next summer’s finals in Germany.
Wales need a positive result against unbeaten Croatia if they are to keep automatic qualification hopes alive going into matches against Armenia and Turkey in November.
The game against Croatia is undoubtedly the priority for Wales during this month’s international window, though Davies is looking forward to the chance to play in Wrexham when Gibraltar visit.
‘Players grateful for north Wales fixture’
The Stok Racecourse is the world’s oldest football stadium that continues to host international games, and Wednesday’s friendly will be the first senior Wales men’s fixture to be held there since 2019.
“It is something that has actually been playing on the boys’ minds for a while,” added Davies.
“We are very appreciative as a group of the efforts of the north Walian fans to come to Cardiff to watch the games, especially in midweek and the late ones. We know it is a tough, long journey at times.
“But we are incredibly grateful to get the chance to come up north and play at Wrexham and in front of our loyal fans. We can’t wait to play in front of them.
“The Gibraltar game is important to us as a group, that we get minutes together on the field. Hopefully we pick up another good result that gives us confidence going into the big game against Croatia.”
