Rhys Hartley chosen to lead the Welsh team out on Wednesday

The mascot before the big match in Cardiff on Wednesday between Wales and Russia is a familiar face on Welsh television and a keen traveller.

Rhys Hartley from Cardiff is nine and says it is a great honour and privilege to be leading Wales out at the Millennium Stadium alongside Gary Speed, Wales' Captain.

"It's an important game for Wales and I'm looking forward to it all."

Not only did Rhys travelled to see Wales play in nine games, five in this championship alone, but is the only child to see all of Wales' games home and away in the qualifying matches for Euro 2004.

He receives this honour in recognition of his loyal support during the campaign.

During this campaign Rhys has travelled to Finland, Azerbaijan, Serbia Montenegro, Italy and was in Russia over the weekend.

Rhys was in Moscow over the weekend to see the first leg

He has also seen matches in Armenia, Ukraine and Norway.

"My dad takes me to all the games and I miss school to go and see the away matches," Rhys said, who appears on the Welsh Language soap opera Pobol y Cwm as Huw White.

"I wouldn't have had half the chance to go and see some of these countries, such as Azerbaijan and Armenia, if it wasn't for the football."

Rhys, whose favourite player is Robbie Savage, is also a big Cardiff City fan and has seen over 40 games - the first when he was only six months old, in Stockport.