'Beyond impressive' - Rodon to win 50th Wales cap

Joe Rodon made his Wales debut against Azerbaijan in 2019, playing the whole 90 minutes in a 2-1 win

Nations League: Wales v Iceland

Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Tuesday, 20 November Kick off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, live text and commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Joe Rodon says the "honour" of playing for Wales helped get him through some of the toughest moments of his career as the centre-back prepares to win his 50th cap.

The Leeds United player is in line to reach the landmark on Tuesday when Wales host Iceland in their final Nations League group game.

Rodon, 27, plays regularly for Leeds but that has not always been the case at former clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Rennes.

"To come away with a group of lads like this and the staff, everyone there, is unbelievable," said Rodon.

"That's what really kept me going in those tough moments. I couldn't pick a better group to share these camps with and play for my country."

On reaching 50 caps, Rodon added: "I'll cross that bridge when it comes. It's a dream and an honour to play for my country.

"All I want to do is keep playing. All the boys in there [changing room] dreams of playing for the whole nation. It's a massive honour for me."

Rodon made his 49th international appearance on Saturday as Wales and Turkey played out an eventful goalless draw in the Nations League.

The Swansea City academy product was instrumental in a strong defensive display from Craig Bellamy's side, who had to withstand long periods of Turkish pressure and cope with an intimidating atmosphere in Kayseri.

"It was a very difficult game. I'm very proud of the boys. Everyone put in a massive shift," Rodon said.

"That's the minimum for us, we've all got to work hard. There's a lot of things to look back on and improve but I'm proud of the boys."

Saturday’s draw means Turkey stay top of Group B4 with 11 points, while Wales are in second place on nine points and Iceland third on seven.

To win the group, Wales must now beat Iceland at Cardiff City Stadium in their final group game on Tuesday and hope Turkey drop points in Montenegro.

Failing that and unless they lose to Iceland, Wales will face a Nations League promotion play-off in March, meaning their World Cup qualifying campaign will be pushed back to June or September next year.

'Brilliant' – what Rodon's team-mates and boss say

If Rodon reaches 50 Wales caps on Tuesday, it will be a popular achievement among his team-mates and coaches.

Wales team-mate Daniel James, who played alongside Rodon at Swansea, said: "It's brilliant. I joined Swansea as a scholar and became great friends with Joe straight away.

"I was very excited for him to come to Leeds. It was a really positive signing for us and we were all buzzing to have him. It was also nice for him to be permanent for Leeds and to be loved by the fans. That always boosts you to be positive and be a better player.

"Reaching 50 caps will be an incredible achievement for him. It’s an honour he deserves and I’m sure he can go on to get another 50 because he keeps himself in great shape."

Wales and Swansea midfielder Joe Allen said: "Certainly over the last couple of years at club level he's had the chance to play regularly, and the progress from that has been incredible.

"He's one of the first names on the team sheet for Wales and has only ever performed well for us. He's been pivotal to our big performances and big results, and it's been great to see."

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: "I've always been impressed by him. When he went to Spurs, I was going to go to Oxford and I wanted him on loan there straight away.

"The amount of caps he has won for Wales at a very good age is impressive and there are more to come. His role as a leader in the group has been hugely impressive. I’m delighted for him.

"Every time I’ve seen him for Leeds, he’s been beyond impressive. His physique, his speed - he's really quick - and just as an all-round footballer, he’s very impressive."