AA CAN COME TO THE RESCUE

Wales will count on their own veteran Aaron to skipper them into new era

- JAMES NURSEY 

ROB PAGE hoped Luka Modric would retire after his latest World Cup heroics – but now wants Wales’ own captain marvel to make him regret playing on. 

Aaron Ramsey has been busy preparing for his first game tonight since Page confirmed him as Wales' new captain after Gareth Bale's retirement marked the end of an era.

It is a daunting test in Split against Croatia, who have finished runnersup and third at the last two World Cups. The hosts' own golden generation have been inspired by Real Madrid playmaker Modric who, at 37 and with 162 caps, is set to lead Croatia into this summer's Nations League finals.

But Page insists Nice midfielder Ramsey, a relative youngster at 32, still has plenty in the tank after impressing in a 13-game unbeaten run with his club in France.

Page hopes to see Ramsey inspire an energetic display from his revamped side after Bale and Co underwhelmed in Doha, where they finished bottom of Group B.

Boss Page said: "I was watching Sky Sports News after the World Cup for Modric, but he didn't retire.

"What they have done in the World Cup is no surprise because in major tournaments they deliver.