Hughes praises heroes

WALES boss Mark Hughes hailed his stand-in heroes as his side took a giant step towards the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.

Hughes saw Gary Speed and John Hartson score the goals which secured a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan which keeps Wales top of Group nine with a 100% record.

Hughes said: ''The credit must go to the lads who have had to step into the side after we lost so many players to injuries. I have had to disappoint so many of them so many times, they've had to sit on the bench, game after game, and just watch.