NEW Wales under-21s captain Gethin Jones admits he and the rest of the squad start their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign tomorrow night with dreams of playing at Euro 2016 also on their minds.

The Welsh senior side are on a high after Saturday’s win in Israel kept them on course to qualify for next summer’s tournament in France.

And Jones, who leads the under-21s for the first time in the home clash with Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium, says all the Welsh youngsters are dreaming of forcing their way into Chris Coleman’s squad as quickly as possible.

“The first team are doing brilliantly and we all know that even though you’re young Chris Coleman will give you a chance if you’re doing well,” said the Everton right-back, who has just moved on loan to Plymouth Argyle.

“As a team we need to perform and hopefully you want to do well individually and get a call up to the first team.”

Under-21s boss Geraint Williams said there is a chance that some members of his squad will be playing alongside Gareth Bale and teammates if they make it to a first major tournament since 1958.

“Chris Coleman has proved that if you’re good enough then the pathway is there through to the national team so the opportunity is there,” he said.

“They have to go out there and play with passion but also cool heads and if they can do that then there are a few that will be looking to push their way into the senior squad.”

Jones says he was surprised to be picked to lead the side with the likes of former Newport County AFC star Lee Evans also in the squad.

“I’m really happy,” said the 19-year-old. “I wasn’t really expecting it because this is only my second camp with the under-21s.

“People like Lee Evans have already been in the senior squad and he’s a good leader but we’ll all be leaders out on that field.

“We’re looking forward to playing together. We’ve been working hard in training and we know how they play and we just need to show that on the pitch now.”

Williams added: “Training has gone very well but we’re not taking anything for granted.

“Bulgaria will be technically gifted and they’ll be coming here hoping to get their campaign off to a perfect start.

“It will be a tough game but it is one where if we play to the best of our abilities we should be able to come away with a win.”