Mark Hughes fired a defiant message to his beleaguered side, saying: "We can still come top of the group."

Wales lost 4-0 to Italy on Saturday night, damaging their hopes of topping group nine. But Hughes (pictured right), who admitted his side just weren't good enough to beat the Italians, still feels that his side can come top of the group.

"We are still in a good position despite the defeat," said Hughes.

"Obviously it's no longer in our own hands, but it's not unrealistic for us to still qualify top of the group.

"The important thing from our point of view is that we have to win our last two games and put pressure on the Italians to do the same.

"In a way I'm glad that we've got a game coming up so quickly after that defeat.

'We didn't play well and in certain areas we let ourselves down. For the first game in ages we lost our shape in midfield, and that cost us.

"But we've got to turn our attentions to Finland on Wednesday (at the Millennium Stadium) and that game gives us an opportunity to make up for our bad performance in Italy.

"The players all know that they didn't perform as well as they can do, and they are eager to make up for that against Finland."

One player who did earn special mention from Hughes was Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney.

Delaney, normally a right-back, filled in at centre-back on Saturday, and was one highlight of an otherwise unforgettable evening.

"Mark Delaney did very well considering the circumstances," said Hughes.

"He only found out late in the week that he'd be playing there because of injuries, but I've often thought that it's a position that he can play.

"The important thing was for us to have pace in the centre of defence, and with Danny Gabbidon injured, Mark was the obvious choice and he did a good job."

Hughes is unlikely to have Gabbidon back for Wednesday, although Andy Melville is now back in training.

"It looks as if the game has come too soon for Danny," admitted Hughes.

"But Andy Melville is back in full training, as is Kit Symons, so I've got options in that area."

However, Hughes will definitely be without Delaney, Robbie Savage and Craig Bellamy, who are all suspended for the game.