Cesc-like Ramsey told to inspire Wales against England

Aaron Ramsey has been ordered to inspire Wales Under-21s to victory over England tomorrow, with the ultimate praise still ringing in his ears, writes Jem Maidment.

The Carephilly-born midfielder is the heartbeat of the Welsh side which travels to Villa Park for the Euro 2009 play-off, first leg. His manager Brian Flynn has been talking up the Gunners star ahead of the big game.

Flynn says Ramsey (pictured), can become as good as his club-mate Cesc Fabregas.

"I've been watching Aaron since he was 14," said Flynn, who famously steered Wrexham to a shock 2-1 FA Cup win over the Gunners in January 1992.

"He can be anything he wants to be in the game. At this stage, this age, he is as good as Cesc Fabregas. I see him as a top-six Premier League player and a top international player anywhere in Europe. He is quite something, and I can compare him to one of the best youngsters in the world in Fabregas."

Ramsey, signed from Cardiff in the summer, was tipped to make his seniors bow last month. Peter Nicholas, the last Gunner to captain Wales, has urged John Toshack to give him his first cap as soon as possible.

Flynn admitted that is not far off. "He is very close to being a senior international but we want him to help the under-21s first," he added. "He can be a major influence for us. He always has time on the ball.

"He has a combination of a lot of things for a midfield player. He has fantastic energy and is always positive. He can shoot, pass and create. He needs to get into the box more, but he's just 17. It will all come."

Flynn added he is pleased Ramsey turned down Manchester United and Everton to make the move to north London.

"He could have gone to United, and he was very impressed with David Moyes at Everton," he said. "He had a great choice but he has chosen well. Arsene Wenger will look after him well there. He is in a good group of youngsters there and Wenger has a track record of producing huge talents.