AARON Ramsey is convinced Wales can beat Portugal and reach the Euro 2016 final without him.

The Arsenal midfielder has been a star of the tournament for Wales but will miss Wednesday’s semi-final in Lyon after picking up his second yellow card against Belgium.

It’s a big blow for Ramsey and Wales but he is confident he will have the chance to play in the final in Paris on July 10.

“It was obviously a very special night for us,” he said.

“We have a great team, great staff and great fans. “When you have the right balance special nights like this can happen.

“You have to stand up and be counted. I’m just delighted I was able to help my team by grabbing a couple of assists and that we won it quite comfortably in the end.”

Ramsey was close to tears after the final whistle as the reality hit that he would miss the semi.

After initially joining in the celebrations he broke away from the rest of the squad while the joyous scenes continued around him.

“I am really gutted,” he said about the booking for handball in the second half. “It was just a sort of natural reaction, and that happens.

“I knew straight away. But I am confident in the team we have and the players we have that they can step in and do a job and hopefully can get us to the final.”

Jonny Williams is the favourite to replace Ramsey in midfield against Portugal.

And Newport-born centre-back James Collins could come in for Ben Davies, who is also suspended, in the heart of the Wales defence.

“Everybody is ready to step in,” said Ramsey. “We have a great team spirit. Everybody wants to achieve something special for each other. We are confident in the players we have.

“I am really gutted,” he added. “But I will be right behind my team and cheering them on.

“I’ll be kicking every ball and shouting, right in the mix of it. Hopefully they can do it. I am confident we can get one more game.”

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