Bakke to give Jones rough ride

Jones hopes to bring his European experience with Leeds to Saturday's game

Ryan Giggs against Ronny Johnsen, Henning Berg and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will not be the only club confrontation in Saturday's World Cup qualifier between Wales and Norway.

The qualifying group 5 match will also play host to a battle between two of the most exciting young players in the Premiership.

Matthew Jones and Erik Bakke are team-mates at Leeds and both have been tipped as future superstars - Bakker was Leeds' Young Player of the Year while Jones was given the award for best Welsh youngster on Tuesday night.

They are partners in midfield and represent Leeds' resurgence under David O'Leary last season.

I don't think there will be any friendly tackles there

  Erik Bakke

Come Saturday, however, all thoughts of common goals at domestic level will be forgotten.

Bakke in particular promises a hard, physical confrontation with Jones.

"I don't think there will be any friendly tackles there," he said.

"I have already played against Norwegian team-mates like Erik Mykland and Oyvind Leonhardsen this season and when they're on the other side you just want to win the game.

"Hopefully, if we're both playing, it's going to be fun," Bakke said.

Respect

Matthew Jones has respect for his Leeds team-mate, however, and believes Norway will pose other threats as well.

"I play alongside Erik Bakke and he's very strong - he's got a big engine in him. He's also very strong in the air," Jones warned.

Bakke: tough tackling

The Llanelli-born midfielder, having played with and against the heart of Norway's midfield in European competition, believes they will cause Wales severe problems if they are allowed to dominate proceedings.

"The biggest threat to us will come from the midfield area," Jones said.

"As well as Erik Bakke, I played against Erik Mykland when we took on 1860 Munich in the Uefa Cup and he could really cause us problems," Jones said.

Spurs midfielder Stefan Iversen is an injury doubt, though - he has a toe problem

Jones, and his Wales team-mates, will know that despite being only 23 years old Bakke already has the temperament for the big stage.

He scored two goals in Leeds' Uefa Cup semi-final against Galatasaray last season and is touted as Leeds' most shrewd signing in years.

Mark Hughes will know that if Wales are to have any hope of winning on Saturday they must smother Norway's midfield - and the manager will be looking to the man who knows Erik Bakke best to do just that.