Elise Hughes insists Wales must beat Albania before dreaming of Brazil

Hughes keeps eyes on prize as Wales hold slender lead

Wales forward Elise Hughes has insisted the focus remains firmly on Tuesday's play-off second leg against Albania, even as the prospect of a first Women's World Cup appearance edges closer.

Rhian Wilkinson's side take a slender 1-0 advantage into the return fixture in Llanelli after edging the first leg of their play-off semi-final in Shkoder on Friday. A draw in the second leg would be enough to send Wales through to the next stage of qualifying for next summer's tournament in Brazil.

"When you're a kid, it doesn't get bigger than that," Hughes said of playing at a World Cup. "You dream and you're in the garden thinking of the World Cup and you're at your grassroots team thinking of the World Cup.

"Now this group has a chance to do it and that is the most important thing for the group here and now. But to do that, we've got to win the game on Tuesday. This is the most important game to date because it's next."

Wilkinson demands improvement after scrappy first leg

Wales secured the 1-0 away victory in the first leg through an own goal, but Wilkinson admitted her side were below par and must raise their standards for the Llanelli return, according to prior BBC Sport Wales reporting from 10 October.

Hughes, who has played for Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace and now represents Sunderland, accepted there is work to do.

"There's always room for improvement," she told BBC Sport Wales. "We've won games by many more goals and always had room for improvement. We knew they're a good side and what they're going to bring [but] we let them into the game. It's all about focus and getting the result."

Route to Brazil still long

Should Wales overcome Albania, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December. Even victory in that final could yet require a potential inter-confederation play-off in February.

For Hughes, though, none of that matters until Tuesday is done and Wales have booked their place in the next round.