By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Shaun MacDonald is preparing for the biggest game of his life tonight (6pm) as Wales's youngsters carry the hopes of a nation.

Brian Flynn's under-21 side take on Romania at The Racecourse knowing victory would put them a step closer to the Uefa European Under-21 Championship.

Success against the Romanians would guarantee Flynn's men top spot in their group ahead of France - and leave them only a play-off away from the second major finals appearance in Welsh football history.

"It's a massive game because the reward if we win is so big," said MacDonald (inset).

"Finishing top of the group would be a great achievement, but getting to the finals in Sweden would be superb.

"It would be superb not just for the players but for everybody in Wales, and I think it would have a massive impact on Welsh football."

Wales have beaten France, Bosnia-Herzegovina (twice) and Malta (twice) in their qualifying group.

They can draw tonight and still progress with another draw in the return against the Romanians next month, but senior internationals like Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale have dropped down to the under-21s as they bid to get the job done.

A regular throughout the campaign, MacDonald is expected to keep his place despite the added quality at Flynn's disposal.

"There are quite a lot of Premier League lads involved and that just shows the way things are going for Welsh football," added the Swansea City starlet.

"But I hope I'll be part of the side. You want to play in big games, and this is the most important of my career."

Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley (back) has joined West Ham's Jack Collison (ligament damage) in being ruled out of tonight's game.

The 10 qualifying group winners and four best runners-up will advance to the play-offs from October 11-15, with the winners joining hosts Sweden in the finals.