LIVERPOOL’S Joe Allen remembers the anguish of watching Wales lose a European Championship play-off and admits it motivates him to ensure Chris Coleman’s men make it to France.

Wales are currently second in Euro 16 qualification Group B after making their best start to a campaign since Mark Hughes’ charges went so close to qualifying for Euro 2004.

The Dragons were eventually knocked out by Russia in a play-off in front of a packed out Millennium Stadium and Allen, who was in the stadium, remembers it only too well.

“I watched Wales v Russia in the stadium, I was there with my school (aged 12) and I remember the disappointment, I’m sure a lot of the lads do,” he said.

“It gives you extra motivation that hopefully we can be the group to get us to a tournament. I remember the buzz around Welsh football at that time and we feel we are getting back to the level.

“The opportunity is there for us, in the last campaign we let ourselves down but you learn from these experiences and hopefully it has made us better players.

“The campaign to qualify in 2004 was great and hopefully this team can go one step further.”

Allen is hopeful he can produce for Wales in Israel on Saturday, a battle between the sides currently first and second in the group.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this, four long months and we are really excited about it after a great start to the campaign, we want to keep things going really,” he said.

“I have been playing regularly in the last few weeks and that leads to more consistent performances, so it’s a good time to come away in terms of form.

“This game could be a statement from us, we want the chance to impress, the self belief and start we’ve had, we are really confident we can go to Israel and get a good result and keep up the pressure on the other teams in our group.

“Playing in the Premier League and European games helps at international level. I hope I am getting towards my peak now; I want to keep improving and getting better.

“I was disappointed with how I approached my first season with Liverpool at times, but the last two seasons I’ve felt a lot more comfortable.

“I am 25 now, feeling my age a little bit! I’ve got enough experience now to feel like a big part of the squad, I don’t consider myself a young player.”

Allen isn’t perturbed by the potential security issues in Israel, with the game taking place in Haifa.

“We expect when we travel away in international football it will be hostile, but within the squad we have the experience with international and club level football to cope with that,” he said.

“We have no qualms or fears about going to Israel, only excitement really. Football aside, it’s a privilege in our job to travel and it’s a country and team I’ve not experienced before.

“The heightened security I imagine is something not at the focus of the players, we are focused on the game and making sure we are right to get those points.”

Allen is also confident Wales are winning the battle to re-engage the hearts and minds of their supporters.

“We are enjoying being in this position, excited about the challenges ahead and our commitment and hunger is obvious. I don’t think that has always been the case in the last few years,” he said.

“The relationship between the players and the supporters hasn’t been that great through the years, but it is improving and is important. It is getting better and better. I think we’ve consciously been making more of an effort and the lift they give us could be the difference between qualifying or not.”