FORMER Saints goalkeeper Paul Jones stands by to win his 50th Wales cap tomorrow believing the time has come for the young brigade to stand up and be counted.

Jones, 40 in April, can expect to be playing behind a five-man defence with an average age of just 23 - and that includes 27 year-old Danny Gabbidon.

Teenagers Lewin Nyatanga (5) and Saints starlet Gareth Bale (2) have seven caps between them while Rob Edwards and Richard Duffy have played for their country 13 and eight times respectively.

It is a risky decision by boss John Toshack, but one forced on him with senior defenders Mark Delaney, James Collins and Sam Ricketts are all out injured.

Now Jones, who helped QPR win at St Mary's last weekend on his first return to Saints since leaving in January 2004, feels confident that the youngsters can cope with a Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium.

Jones says: ''A lot of younger lads have been around the squad since Tosh took over, and they have learned a lot.

''Now they will have to come in for a major competitive match, but they can handle it and I hope they grab the chance to show what they can do. It is up to them to show they are up to the task.

''I will have some excellent youngsters in front of me, Lewin (Nyatanga) and Gareth (Bale) were outstanding in the last game against Brazil in our last game.

''Bale was just coming through the Academy when I was at Southampton, as was Theo Walcott, I just about remember them.

"But they were highly rated by the coaches there, and now both are proving their worth in first team football.'' He added: ''I don't recall being in a side as young as this, it makes me feel old. But it gives youngsters the chance to stake a claim for the shirt.

''It could give half a dozen younger players the experience of competitive internationals, it's not the same as friendlies, and I am confident they can handle the situation.

''A lot of lads have a taste of action for Wales since John Toshack took over, and that will help them.

''I don't even think it puts pressure on the senior guys having so many youngsters around, whatever age they are they can play, we know that.

''What's left of the senior lads in the squad have confidence in them. And you find with kids that they don't have any nerves anyway. They are confident and want to take their opportunity.

''Most of them have played in the Millennium Stadium, they will enjoy it and show what they can do.'' Wales could have several youngsters on the bench, with Ryan Valentine, Andrew Crofts, former Saints academy midfielder/striker Arron Davies, Mark Jones and David Cotterill in contention.