FEARED French frontman Thierry Henry, pictured, insists Wales deserve to qualify for the Euro 2004 finals.

And the Arsenal ace believes Mark Hughes' Group Nine pace-setters can be classed as a major footballing force if they reach the European Champion-ship finals in Portugal next summer, claiming he "wouldn't be keen" to face them.

Henry, scorer of 26 goals in 56 French internationals, also spoke of his utmost respect for manager Hughes who has master-minded the Welsh resurgence and transformed a team of apparent no-hopers into a feared nation.

Henry's Group One table-toppers France and Hughes' Wales are currently the only two teams with 100 per cent records in Euro 2004's qualifying round and the lethal marksman predicts both nations will make the grade and be part of the final 16 in Portugal.

"Wales' emergence as a top national side was not a surprise to me because I play in England," said ex-Juventus and Monaco striker Henry.

"There are a lot of Welsh players in the Premiership and the Scottish Leagues. We all know about Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Gary Speed and we know what kind of players they are.

"They are quality players who play to their strengths under Mark Hughes, who is a very organised manager.

"Wales surprised Italy as maybe they thought it was going to be easy.

"Italy got it wrong and it looks like it could be too late for them now as the Welsh team look like they are going to do it.

"I hope Wales qualify because they deserve it. They have a great stadium, some amazing fans and it will be a great thing if they can get to the Euro 2004 finals - but I would not be keen to play against Wales."

Wales, with four straight wins, face a gruelling three games in 21 days, starting in Serbia and Montenegro a week today before travelling to second-placed Italy on September 6 and hosting Finland in Cardiff four days later. They then host Serbia at the Millennium Stadium in their final qualifying game on October 11.

"There is still a lot of hard work for Wales to do," added Henry. "But I don't blame the Welsh fans for getting carried away as they're top of their group and are within touching distance, everyone is allowed to dream.

"But they cannot be classed a major European football force until they have qualified for the European Champion-ship finals."

France are reigning Euro champs and, with five wins out of five, are all but certain to make it to next year's finals.

And World Cup winner Henry, who has scored 82 goals in just 136 league games for Arsenal, warned the rest of Europe that his compatriots have the hunger again following an embarrassing early group-stage exit in last year's World Cup, where France were defending their crown.

"We had some bad moments after the World Cup," he said. "But now we are steadily getting the team back together and we'll see what can happen.

"We've moved forward and we've got our rhythm going again.

"We have some good players and their desire and commitment is coming back."

Welsh defender Andy Melville has ruled himself out of next week's crucial Euro' 2004 qualifier in Belgrade.

The tough-tackling Fulham star had already been ruled out of his club's Premiership opener, so Wales boss Mark Hughes is not surprised that the 58-times capped 34-year-old will not be travelling to face Serbia and Montenegro.

But it confirms his worst fears with Crystal Palace's Kit Symons and Cardiff City's Rhys Weston also carrying knocks ahead of the Belgrade match.

Central defender Melville has missed all of Fulham's pre-season build-up because of a foot injury and leaves Hughes with a hole in the heart of his defence.

Cardiff's Danny Gabbidon and Sheffield United's Robert Page are now the most likely centre-back pairing.

Melville said: "I'm devastated. It's a massive game to miss but there's nothing I can do about it. The boys are good enough to get a result out there and I'm sure they will."

Wales strike pair John Hartson and Craig Bellamy are recovering well from knocks and Hughes is hopeful they can line-up against Serbia.

Aston Villa right-back Mark Delaney (knee) is still doubtful while Wolves striker Nathan Blake (thigh) is also struggling.