JOHN Toshack has mounted a strong defence of his tenure as Wales manager as pressure mounts following a dismal spell of seven defeats in ten matches over the past year.

Wales, riddled by constant injuries and withdrawals, have slumped in their World Cup campaign, and now face the minnows of Liechtenstein in their final Group Four match attempting to rescue some pride.

Toshack arrived in the tiny mountain principality, sandwiched in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland, knowing his five-year tenure in command of Wales is being questioned back home.

Losing to Liechtenstein would be the worst defeat in Welsh history, and Toshack is equally aware of the outcry which would ensue should such a nightmare result materialise in the Rheinpark stadium tonight.

Toshack is under no pressure from the Football Association of Wales, but even in such a critical time and without ten of his original squad due to injuries and suspension, the 60-year-old is considering resting Arsenal teenager Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey has complained of a back injury and including him in a meaningless match - in Arsenal’s eyes – may not go down too well with Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger.

Toshack may use defender Ashley Williams as a holding midfield player, with MK Dons striker Jermaine Easter up front.

On his own future, Toshack said: “It has never got to the stage that I have felt that I've had enough of this hassle.

“But I am aware of things that maybe fans are saying. I accept that our results mean we are not in as good a position as we were 12 months ago.

“I am aware of people’s views, but it goes with the territory. But I want a reaction from the players, I have talked to them and they are aware of what is expected.”

He added: “A year ago we had won two home qualifiers, performed well in Germany and Russia and been to Denmark and won a friendly. And they have qualified.

“Everyone was rightly excited about the way the youngsters had played. I was offered a new agreement and accepted, and I don't remember anyone questioning that.

“But since then it has been a disappointing year, it really has. I can understand people thinking that we have gone backwards from the stage we were at last October when we beat Liechtenstein in Cardiff.”

Since that game in 2008, Wales have gone downhill and lost seven of their last ten games.