Joe Allen has urged Wales' fringe players to stake their claim for a spot at Euro 2016 when they take on Northern Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.
Wales are without star man Gareth Bale for the friendly matches against Northern Ireland and Ukraine following talks with Real Madrid, with the forward having suffered with a calf injury lately.
"We can't wait to get to France and show the world what we can do," he said.
"We face two strong teams. Two very different games, but variety is key to our preparation. Friendlies are a chance for players to step in, show what they can and stake a claim for a place in the Euros."
Manager Michael O'Neill was rewarded with a new four-year deal and he takes charge of the side for the first time since penning fresh terms.
O'Neill also has injury problems, with West Brom's versatile left-sided captain Chris Brunt cruelly ruled out of the tournament with a serious knee injury.
Daniel Lafferty, on loan at Oldham Athletic from Burnley, last played for Northern Ireland last May but he is among those aiming to press his case in Brunt's absence.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be back in the squad," he told the Londonderry Sentinel.
"I haven't been in the squad for a while and I missed most of the qualifying campaign, but I'm going in with the mentality that I'm a new player getting into the squad and hopefully I can do well."
