Hartson: I couldn't care less if Sven gets the sack

John Hartson has never minced his words or hidden his passion on the pitch.

But today he showed he can be just as forthright off it when he said he does not care if Sven-Goran Eriksson gets the sack.

The Celtic striker could pile the pressure on the England head coach if he helps lead Wales to victory on Saturday.

The 29-year-old said: "Without being arrogant, I don't take an awful lot of notice of the England manager's situation.

"If he was to get sacked next week or next month it would make no difference to my life.

"He is England manager so he is going to be under pressure because they get hyped up so much." Hartson is also pleased Wales could be up against Wayne Rooney and that Eriksson has Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell available again.

His thinking may not be completely in tune with the rest of his Wales team-mates but he wants to make sure there are no excuses if Mark Hughes's side pull off a shock.

"England have a great squad but I would hate to beat them and then have everybody talk about who was missing," Hartson said.

"If you are going to beat them you want to do it when they have all their best players.

"I have been looking forward to the game since the draw was made.

"We are massive underdogs. England get built up so big, even when Brazil go to Old Trafford or Wembley. They are always made to be favourites whether they are the better team or not.

"But I am not going to say that we have got nothing to lose because there is so much at stake for the Welsh public.

"You hear about Wales and England in the rugby and see the passion but we have not had it in football for 20 years.

"I have played against Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland but this will be extra special."