Suspended Aaron Ramsey 'gutted' to miss Wales vs Portugal but is convinced Dragons can reach Euro 2016 final

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James Benge4 July 2016

Aaron Ramsey is convinced his Wales team-mates can reach the Euro 2016 final without him after he was banned from the last-four clash with Portugal.

A hand-ball in the 74th minute of Wales’ 3-1 win over Belgium meant that Ramsey received his second yellow card over the last five matches, ruling him out of the biggest night in his country’s footballing history.

“It was a sort of natural reaction and I knew straight away it was a yellow,” Ramsey said.

“I'm really gutted. I'm confident in the players we have to step in and get us to the final.”

Arsenal midfielder Ramsey’s performances throughout Euro 2016 have proven there is more to Chris Coleman’s side that Gareth Bale, with the 25-year-old enjoying his best run of form since late 2013.

Ramsey took his tally of assists at the tournament to four, joint-level with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, as he laid on two in the comeback win over Belgium. His cross for Ashley Williams secured the equaliser whilst he then teed up Hal Robson-Kanu to fire Wales in front.

Free from the defensive responsibilities that have often weighed him down at club level, Ramsey put in what he believes was one of the best performances of his career.

“It was up there with the best performances of my career, especially on the stage that it was.

“I wanted to stand up and be counted, so I am delighted I was able to help my team and grab a couple of assists that meant we won quite comfortably in the end.

“Now we have to beat Portugal. I am sure it will sink in before then that I will not be playing - but I will be right behind my team, cheering them on and kicking every ball. I will be right in the mix of it, so hopefully they can do it.”

Tottenham defender Ben Davies also misses out against Portugal after picking up an early booking for bringing down Belgium forward Kevin De Bruyne.

The Spurs full-back is likely to be replaced by James Collins, but Ramsey feels Wales have enough strength in depth to cover with the loss of two first-choice players.

"Of course everyone is ready to step in for myself and Ben," said Ramsey.

"Everyone wants to achieve something special for each other. We are a team and we showed it against Belgium.

"The fact it is Gareth Bale versus [Real Madrid team-mate] Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday is going to be mentioned.

"But Gareth will tell you himself that it is not about that."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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