Rob would love to wear the Wales shirt with pride, but has to stay neutral when commentating
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do - what's not to like commentating on football?
But sometimes, particularly when I am watching Wales, I miss being able to react just like a supporter would.
OK, I tend to get a bit excited. But I try to keep an impartial lid on it, too.
For instance, myself and Kevin Ratcliffe could not sing along with ''Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau'' when the fans broke into the anthem during the second half of that emotional win over Belgium, in June.
This week of all weeks its difficult not to replace my usual 'Dai Cap' with a fans' hat.
Wales are on the brink of something they have not done since 1958 - qualifying for a major tournament finals.
Two wins - away in Cyprus tonight and against Israel, at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday - would ensure Chris Coleman's men qualify for the finals of Euro 2016. Sounds simple doesn't it?
But I have been watching Wales since I was a youngster. As a fan, written journalist and now broadcaster I have endured plenty of the heartbreaks - Joe Jordan's handball, Paul Bodin's missed penalty, the despair of the Euro 2004 play-offs. . . . to name a few.
That last near miss was the worst when as a Wales follower.
Mark Hughes' side - with Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Garry Speed among their stars - had done the hard work with a goalless draw in Moscow, only to tumble to a 1-0 defeat at home.
It was devastating. They all hurt, but that was particularly hard to take.
But may be it was all part of some grand plan? May be all the disappointments were building to this point? May be success will be the greatest feeling ever?
Certainly in all the time I have covered Wales, I can think of no squad which was more ''together'' as the players, say. They all look forward to assembling for international duty these days.
In Gareth Bale, we might just be seeing the greatest player to pull on a Welsh shirt. Arron Ramsey is the sort of midfield player Wales have so often craved - and the type who has done such damage to us.
Ashley Williams is a massive presence and a leader for Swansea City and Wales. There are able players throughout.
Most importantly this squad have embraced the expectation thrust upon them as the group has progressed,
I've watched Wales in some far off lands - Armenia, Azerbaijan and America among them. I've even watched Wales play Poland in Portugal, while staying in Spain. Work that one out!
Amid all the heartache there have been some wonderful peaks - notably the wins over Germany and toppling mighty Italy.
I can rarely remember such an emotional evening as the balmy, wet night just a few weeks ago when Wales beat Belgium thanks to Bale.
I've tried not to think too hard about it, but as the Wales players prepare for such an important few days, its impossible not to wonder just what it will be like to see the Class of 2015 emulate their predecessors of 1958.
Of course, its easy to forget there is still a trip to Bosnia and the home game against Andorra in October so its not essential for Wales to complete the task this week.
In truth, another few weeks would not hurt, especially when we have waited for so long.
And yet, wouldn't it be great to sort it out in the next few days?
When Wales qualified in 1958, they had to beat Israel to get there. Doing the same this weekend would have a certain ring to it.
But most of all, I can't wait to cheer Wales over the line - and then celebrate with the fans!
You can follow Wales’ journey on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and online with live match commentary of all of Wales’ matches, in-depth discussion on their qualification hopes, expert opinions, interviews and analysis.
BBC Radio Wales Sport has live commentary from 7.00pm of Cyprus v Wales with Rob Phillips and Kevin Ratcliffe in Nicosia this evening (Thursday 3 September 2015). Kick-off is at 7.45pm with pre and post match analysis led by Steffan Garerro.
