MARK Delaney, pictured, is hoping the Wales football squad can cash in on the euphoria going around the nation in the wake of the country's Six Nations rugby triumph.

The 31-times capped Aston Villa defender has an outside chance of returning for Wales this Saturday in the World Cup Group Six clash against Austria at the Millennium Stadium after being out since January with a knee injury and he is hoping to tap into the current feelgood factor.

"Being the only Welshman at Villa I took a lot of interest (in the rugby match) and we thoroughly deserved what we got," Delaney said.

"The thing with sport in Wales is that is seems to go in different cycles. When we were doing well, getting to the play-offs, the rugby boys were not doing so well, losing every game in the Six Nations. It is funny how it works out but hopefully now we can overlap each other and do well on Saturday, picking up where the rugby has left off.

"What they have achieved has not been done for a long time and they deserve every credit they get. If we get overshadowed by that, then quite right."

He added: "Hopefully we can do as well as they have done in these games coming up.

"I remember playing against Italy in front of a full house and what that meant to Welsh football. The hairs were standing up on the back of my neck and we want that again. That's why we are here and that is why I am passionate about Welsh football."

Delaney admits that after two draws and two defeats in Group SIx, qualification for Germany 2006 requires a miracle but he still believes the upcoming games are important.

He said: "After the game against Poland we knew while it was not mathematically impossible it would be very tough for us and we would have to do fantastically well to even contemplate getting second place.

"These matches are for John Toshack and hopefully we can get six points.

"We have to get as many points as we can and finish as high in the group as we can and build the confidence."

As for the defender's chances of making the line-up on Saturday, Delaney said: "It is difficult to say whether I will be ready or not but I have spoken to John (Toshack) and he will monitor how training goes and go from there."