WALES' clash with Belarus on Saturday is a chance for two new players to stake a claim for a permanent place in the starting line-up as captain Ryan Giggs and tigerish Robbie Savage are suspended.

Two youngsters who are banging down Mark Hughes' door for a place on the Millennium Stadium pitch are Simon Davies (pictured) and Matthew Jones.

Tottenham Hotspur's Davies has been performing well since Glenn Hoddle's arrival at White Hart Lane and he can play anywhere across the middle, while Jones has been on thr sidelines for the disappointing start to Leicester's season.

"The suspensions give other players in the squad a chance to break into the starting 11," said 22-year-old Davies.

"It is my dream to be part of the Wales national side, it's absolutely brilliant. I'm trying to establish myself in the squad and am just keeping my fingers crossed that I will be in Mark's starting 11 for Saturday.

"Whoever he picks to stand-in for Ryan and Robbie will, I'm sure, grab the chance with both hands and play out of their skin - everyone is more than capable."

Davies, who has been capped four times for Wales, and ten-times capped Jones are favourites to play alongside Newcastle's Gary Speed and Everton's Mark Pembridge in midfield.

Manchester United star Giggs is suspended after getting sent-off against Norway in Oslo and Leicester's Savage is banned after picking up yellow cards against Poland and Norway.

Although Wales have not set the world alight on the road to the World Cup 2002, Davies believes Welsh football is going in the right direction.

He said new players had been given vital international experience which would be crucial ahead of the 2004 European Championships in Portugal.

Aston Villa right-back Mark Delaney, 25, and Newcastle forward Craig Bellamy, 22, have come in and played consistently throughout the campaign which will please Wales boss Hughes.