Hughes focused on Albania before World Cup dream

Wales forward Elise Hughes says the prospect of reaching the World Cup would fulfil a lifelong ambition but insists the focus remains on Tuesday's play-off second leg against Albania.

Rhian Wilkinson's side take a slender 1-0 advantage into the return fixture in Llanelli after edging the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

A draw would be enough to send Wales through to the next stage of qualifying for next summer's tournament in Brazil.

"When you're a kid, it doesn't get bigger than that," Hughes said of playing at a World Cup.

"You dream and you're in the garden thinking of the World Cup and you're at your grassroots team thinking of the World Cup.

"Now this group has a chance to do it and that is the most important thing for the group here and now.

"But to do that, we've got to win the game on Tuesday. This is the most important game to date because it's next."

Should Wales overcome Albania, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December.

Even if Wales win that play-off final they could face a potential inter-confederation play-off in February.

Head coach Wilkinson acknowledged her side will need to improve in Llanelli after an unconvincing 1-0 first-leg victory in Shkoder.

"There's always room for improvement," Sunderland's Hughes told Wales.

"We've won games by many more goals and always had room for improvement.

"We knew they're a good side and what they're going to bring [but] we let them into the game. It's all about focus and getting the result."