WALES' hopes of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup could be described as slimmer than Kate Moss.

But as far as keeper Paul Jones is concerned, it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Giant Southampton goalkeeper Jones believes that victory over Armenia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday could spark a turnaround in Wales' qualifying fortunes. Mark Hughes' men lay fourth in Group Five - seven points behind Belarus sitting pretty in the second play-off spot.

Belarus still have to play Ukraine and leaders Poland - not to mention a 'six-pointer' with Wales on October 6 in Cardiff.

But Jones, for one, is not giving up the ghost of Wales hitching a last-ditch ride on the road to Japan and South Korea next summer.

"It's certainly not over if we can three points on Saturday," he promised. "The big thing is, we have to play Belarus ourselves which still gives us a chance to get second spot.

"It's been a strange group really because you'd expect Norway to be up there. We are now desperate for three points ourselves and although we have lost just two of our seven games, we've drawn the rest which has been the stumbling block.

"Hopefully we can put that right on Saturday and give ourselves a chance but we have to be wary of Armenia because they did well us against out there as we drew 2-2 in Yerevan."

With eight senior players out through injury and suspension, Jones will be one of the few senior statesmen leading the side out come 3pm Saturday.

But he's backing Manchester United ace Ryan Giggs to take the captain's armband after Gary Speed limped out of Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday with a hamstring injury.

"Ryan has captained Wales before and he's top of my list to do it again," added 34-year-old Jones who's enjoying life at the Saints' new St Mary's Stadium. "We're getting some good crowds at Southampton now and it's also tremendous to be playing for your country.

"Everything has been great since I took over from Neville Southall and you can't play any higher than international football. I've earned 21 caps now and hopefully there's more to come."