WALES soccer legend Ian Rush (below) has warned his countrymen not to think they have already done the hard work on the way to Euro 2004.

Rush has been hugely impressed by Wales' Group Nine start with two victories - including the triumph last month against Italy - and is aware that expectation and excitement has gone through the roof in his homeland, where fans have not witnessed their side reach a major finals since 1958.

He is also aware six more points would leave Wales dreaming of the finals in Portugal, but said: "The job isn't done until the game is over - it's going to be difficult against Azerbaijan.

"If Wales win the next two games against them, they can really start looking forward to the Euro finals. But nobody should start believing they're there yet.

"At the moment there is still a lot of hard work to be done. Italy only beat them 2-0 in Baku."

Rush added: "Wales are favourites for a change, but they must show the same application they showed in the two victories against Finland and Italy.

"Wales have been known to come unstuck against lesser opposition, they have done a lot of the hard work with the two wins over Finland and Italy - but that's only half the job.

"I have played in Wales sides who have beaten the likes of Brazil and West Germany, but then come unstuck against smaller nations.

"But Mark Hughes was in those sort of games himself, so he knows the need for the right application."