Wales name squad

Hughes, attempting to steer Wales into the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1958 World Cup, added: "Success in these two games will help to take the game in Wales to a higher level than ever before.

"The match in Moscow will be a great test, both because of the quality of opposition and the weather conditions, but I am happy that we will have our preparations right when the time comes."

Wales travel to the Russian capital for the first leg on November 15 with the return game in Cardiff on November 19.

Defender Rhys Weston has not been included because he is still recovering from a cartilage injury, but midfielder Jason Koumas is back after suspension.

Hughes added: "There are no surprises in the squad. I think that one of the strengths of the set-up has been that the players know my system in every respect, from playing to our training regime.

"Rhys Weston was not considered as he is not likely to be fit in time for the games after his cartilage problem. Jason Koumas returns after suspension and certainly gives me extra options."

Although Simon Davies, Robert Page and Robbie Savage all have injury concerns they have all been included.

"Next week will be very important for them to see how they progress" added Hughes.

Team:

Goalkeepers - Paul Jones (Southampton), Mark Crossley (Fulham), Darren Ward (Nottingham Forest), Danny Coyne (Leicester City)

Defenders - Darren Barnard (Grimsby), Mark Delaney (Aston Villa), Rob Edwards (Aston Villa), Danny Gabbidon (Cardiff), Andy Melville (Fulham), Robert Page (Sheffield United), Gary Speed (Newcastle United), Kit Symons (Crystal Palace), Adrian Williams (Reading)

Midfielders - Andy Johnson (West Bromwich), Jason Koumas (West Bromwich), John Oster (Sunderland), Mark Pembridge (Fulham), Simon Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Carl Robinson (Portsmouth), Robbie Savage (Birmingham City), Paul Trollope (Northampton), David Vaughan (Crewe)

Forwards - Neil Roberts (Wigan), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Gareth Taylor (Nottingham Forest), Robert Earnshaw (Cardiff), John Hartson (Celtic), Nathan Blake (Wolverhampton Wanderers)