SAINTS two international goalkeepers Paul Jones and Antti Niemi, who are disputing the number one jersey at St Mary's, will both be first choice when Wales take on Finland on Wednesday in a crunch Euro 2004 qualifier.

Jones lines up for Wales and Niemi for Finland at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, as group nine boils to a climax.

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs believes Wales can still make it to the European Championships despite Saturday's defeat against Italy in front of 68,000 fans at the San Siro stadium.

Giggs claimed: "In spite of the 4-0 result, I think we can reach the final stages. It is the first time that qualification is not in our hands, but even if the number one spot is likely to be taken by Italy we can still go to Portugal with the play-offs,'' added Giggs.

Italy's win has granted Giovanni Trapattoni's side the number one spot in the group previously held by Wales.

Mark Hughes's team will have to find their winning streak on Wednesday in order to have a chance to reach next summer's European Championship.

If Saturday's match was Wales' biggest opportunity, the Finland game is Wales' most arduous test.

Giggs hopes Italy's next opponents, Serbia & Montenegro, give them a helping hand on Wednesday when they host the Group Nine leaders.

"We have to beat Finland and hope for a favour from Serbia,'' he said.

The defeat against Italy has meant Wales' second consecutive defeat following last month's 1-0 slip in Belgrade but Hughes is expecting his team to pull through.

He said: "Our last two games have been disappointing. Any defeat affects the confidence of the players.

"We need to get back to what allowed us to achieve our past successes. We have a difficult game but we have to show what we are made of.''

A further drawback for the Wales team will be the absence of key players.

Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy, Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage and Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney all picked up bookings in Saturday's game and will be suspended.

"I will see the players I have available when we get home,'' said a worried Hughes.

Unlike his opponents, Trapattoni was delighted with his players' efforts following a virtuoso second-half by Italy, who were held 0-0 at the interval.

Filippo Inzaghi had an outstanding night in his beloved San Siro and scored a hat-trick that determined the result. Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero's penalty added the gloss to the final score and Jones had little chance with any of the goals.