Savge can't wait for pay-back time

Since Savage was involved in the unsightly incidents in the Birmingham derby at Villa Park three weeks ago, he has received death threats in the post and on his own website.

But, he insists the hundreds of letters of support he received from the Welsh public helped lift his confidence in his darkest moments.

"The last month or so has been tough but as ever that support from the Welsh public has been incredible," said Savage.

"I get letters all the time and mst of them aren't the nicest but every so often I get a letter from Wales and that really lifts me.

"So I'm looking forward to playing on Saturday and thanking the Welsh public by giving them a 110 per cent against Azerbaijan."

"The Welsh fans have been fantastic, to sell Azerbaijan out so quickly is superb.

"Two or three years ago it would have been played at Ninian Park in front of 8,000."

The Birmingham midfielder, who has 28 caps, is walking a disciplinary tightrope as he already has a yellow card to his name.

But despite the fact that he could be suspended if he picks up another booking he insists it won't change his style of play.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it and can't wait for that first tackle. If I clatter someone then so be it.

"The yellow card won't play on my mind. I'll just play my normal game. I think there are five of us on yellow cards and if one of us gets booked then that's the way it goes.

"We've got people to come in and they can do a fantastic job."

The 28-year-old is under intense pressure at Birmingham as they fight to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

And he sees his time with the Wales squad as the perfect opportunity to escape the intense stress he come under every day at Birmingham.

"This is the biggest game I've been involved in during my career but I'll be relaxed on the day," admitted Savage.

"The Premiership is massive, massive pressure and it's not always welcome.

"It's so important for us to stay up and everyone is desperate for us to avoid relegation."