JOHN Hartson today pledged to lead from the front as Wales took on Azerbaijan. The big Celtic striker (left) gave manager Mark Hughes another injury scare last night but declared himself fit for this afternoon's game in Baku.

Hartson vowed: "I'll be fine and there's no doubt I'll be fit for selection.

"Confidence in the Welsh squad doesn't get any higher than it is now as we've won our first two games and are top of the group."

Hartson lined up to face an Azerbaijan side that have only won just three times in their last 51 games despite sitting out Wales' only training session at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium yesterday with a knee niggle.

But the 27-year-old said: "It's just a bit of tendonitis so I decided to miss the more physical part of training because I didn't want to aggravate the problem."

Hartson also thanked Celtic boss Martin O'Neill for not playing him against Patrick Thistle on Sunday: "Playing on Sunday then flying down to Cardiff wouldn't have been ideal preparation for a big game like this."

O'Neill's generosity came only weeks after clear-the-air talks between the two parties about the Welshmen's future with the Scottish champions. But since then Hartson has been playing regularly - and scoring too.

Missing from today's game with Azerbaijan, ranked 111 in the world, were midfield duo Robbie Savage (groin) and Mark Pembridge (calf) and the match winner against Italy frontman Craig Bellamy (knee).

Nathan Blake, Jason Koumas, Andy Johnson and Gareth Taylor have all withdrawn as well and Hughes was still sweating until just before kick-off over the fitness of young defender Danny Gabbidon, who has been having extensive treatment on a back problem.

Welsh winger Ryan Giggs admitted that he was concerned that his hamstring injury might "flare up" after the long five-hour flight from Cardiff to Baku - but revealed last night: "Thankfully I'm fine and raring to go."

The Manchester United star added: "Our full squad is going to be tested this game but I feel we've got enough strength in depth."