The Leeds United man says getting to a World Cup remains the most important ambition
Wales' Ethan Ampadu has been tipped to take the Wales captaincy long-term (Image: PA)
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Ethan Ampadu says he's fully focused on getting Wales to the next World Cup, rather than any questions over the captaincy.
The absence of Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies means the armband is seemingly up for grabs heading into Thursday's huge World Cup play-off semi-final with Bosnia at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The versatile Leeds United star is arguably one of the leading contenders having already skippered the side twice in his career.
However, the 25-year-old insists the only thing currently on his mind is how to find a way past the Bosnians, with Italy or Northern Ireland lying in wait.
"I don't think that's anyone’s aim for this game," he said when asked about the captaincy. "To think individually you have to think about the individual quality you could bring to deciding a game.
"But for me, this game is all about us achieving and winning on Thursday night, whatever it takes."
Previous boss Rob Page had previously earmarked Ampadu as a future Wales skipper, but while acknowledging the honour of pulling on the armband, he says the prospect of taking the role long-term hasn't crossed his mind.
"Long term, the captaincy isn’t my decision," he added. "I've been very grateful to wear the armband before and it’s one of the proudest moments I’ve had captaining my country.
"It’s a great feeling and makes your family feel proud. If it happens again then it would be a massive achievement, but for now it’s just thinking about Thursday.
Page's successor Craig Bellamy has previously played down the significance of the captaincy during his Wales reign, instead stressing the importance of 'leadership groups' within the squad, an ethos echoed by Ampadu and his team-mates.
"We’ve got a leadership group and if there is something someone wants to say then we have the environment that everyone’s voice can be heard," he added. "No voice is bigger than any other. A leadership group can help in leading conversations, but every voice is the same."
The voice of the home crowd at Cardiff City Stadium, he admits, will also likely be a big benefit on the night, with an electric atmosphere expected in the capital for what everyone hopes will be another special night for Welsh football.
"It's massive [being at home]," he added. "I was fortunate to be involved in the last play-offs where you know how amazing the crowd is, whether it's a friendly or a play-off for the World Cup.
"When that Red Wall is behind us, no matter what. So we know it's going to be massive and the motto 'Together Stronger' is going to be in abundance for this game. We want to make it a good night for everyone."
Ampadu still has plenty of years ahead of him in his career, but has already been here several times before having appeared at both a European Championships and a World Cup.
The finals in 2022, the country's first since 1958, came on the back of nerve-shredding play-off final against Ukraine in Cardiff four years ago. Ampadu hopes the experience of that occasion will stand them in good stead as they bid to make a mark on the world stage following what was a disappointing campaign in Qatar.
"We've been in situations, positives and negative, but hopefully we can take everything possible from the last World Cup play-offs to help players who might not have been in that situation.
"But that's also the past and this is something fresh for us all to be involved in and hopefully we can make it a great night.
"You can say maybe that we let ourselves down [in Qatar] because we didn't play to the levels that we know we can and we could have
"But that's gone. It would mean everything to us because when you take yourself back to a kid and you're watching the World Cups you always wanted to play in them.
"To get the chance to do it once was amazing, and to get another one would be even more special."