AARON Ramsey last night blasted back at critics who have derided his recent form, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Arsenal midfielder has struggled with injuries this term after picking up a hamstring issue in the 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Tottenham in September.

However, despite that, he was publically criticised by ex-Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas, who accused him of playing “Hollywood football,” during the recent Champions League draw with Anderlecht.

But after helping Wales to a superb draw in Belgium, Ramsey admitted he’s not yet fully fit and gave the words of Nicholas short shrift.

"It's going to take a few more games for me to get back to my best, but I'm not worried," he said. "I think certain criticism from people is a bit unfair.

"It was tough out there again but I'm not worried.

"I know my qualities and I've had a few injuries this season and I'm still getting back. I'll be honest and say I'm still not 100% physically there."

On a more positive theme, Ramsey admits he’s delighted with Wales’ progress so far in this qualification campaign.

"We've had a great start and we still have a lot of work to do but we've given ourselves a great opportunity now. It was a brilliant performance defensively from us.

"We were under pressure for large periods of the game I felt we stuck together and that's something we've improved on dramatically in this campaign - we're hard to score against.

"We'd have taken a draw before the game so it's a good point in the end.

"The result keeps momentum going and gives us another bit of belief.

"We'll go to Israel in March full of confidence and hopefully be more dangerous with the ball and hopefully it will be more comfortable.

"Belgium was one of the two toughest games we're going to play away. We've passed one test."