BIG John Hartson last night conceded Wales' only hope of qualifying for the Euro 2004 finals is via the play-off route.

And the Celtic target-man insisted he would be fit and ready to demolish Finland in Cardiff on Wednesday to secure that runners-up spot behind Italy.

The awesome Azzurri blew Wales away in the second-half of Saturday's San Siro showdown as their world class players ran riot against Mark Hughes' patched-up rear-guard, Filippo Inzaghi netting a hat-trick with Alessandro Del Piero completing the job from the penalty-spot.

Hartson believes Wales need to get over that mauling right away, starting with the tricky Finns at the Millennium Stadium.

"It is now a fight for a play-off spot," sighed Hartson, after winning his 36th cap.

"We have to bounce straight back. I think, though, that second-place is a massive achievement and has shown that Wales have made great strides in a relatively short space of time. People must not forget that.

"A couple of years ago we couldn't win, we were getting stuffed and the crowds were poor. Now it's all changed and people are disappointed that we haven't beaten a world-class team like Italy!

"Everyone was getting carried away and thinking we have to finish above Italy but they are a fantastic team and it goes to show what a massive result it was when we beat them in Cardiff last October.

"We must dig deep now and secure that play-off spot as soon as we can."

Hartson added: "Obviously our confidence has taken a bit of a knock but we must show our resilience and battling spirit and finish second.

"There is still a lot to play for and I'm sure there will be a few twists. Serbia and Finland are still in with a shout of that play-off spot."

Striker Hartson's hold-up play was superb and he caused Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta problems with his aerial threat. He played 81 minutes before Nathan Blake replaced him, his longest game for five months due to his back and calf injuries.

Hartson said: "I felt OK in the first-half but I did tire towards the end and that's why I came off."

But he vowed: "I'll be ok for Wednesday, otherwise I wouldn't have turned up at all this week. I'll have a good rest now and prepare for another tough test.

"Finland are a very good side and their centre-back Sami Hyypia is an excellent player, but we've beaten them before and we can do it again."

Hughes will be forced to reshuffle his pack as key men Craig Bellamy, Robbie Savage and Mark Delaney are all suspended while defensive duo Andy Melville and Danny Gabbidon are expected to miss-out, both suffering foot injuries.