Paul Evans wants to Finnish off the taunts that Wales are big-time bottlers.

City's combative midfielder is hoping for his third international cap in tomorrow's European Championship first qualifier against Finland in Helsinki.

The Welsh have not made it through to the finals of a major tournament since 1958. But an unbeaten five-match run has got the players believing that this could be their moment.

Evans, who came on as sub for the last 20 minutes in Croatia last month, wants to help make history.

He said: "I think there's a lot of optimism in the country because of the good recent results.

"We try not to talk about the past any more. That's gone and instead everyone is looking forward to the Finland game.

"It's a difficult place to go as England and Germany found out in the World Cup but we are all thinking positive. And we should be confident with the way we've been playing.

"If we can get off to a good start - and a win would be brilliant - then it sets us up nicely for the campaign."

Evans, 27, has enjoyed a cracking start to the season, including a 30-yard free-kick in the win at Ipswich to open his Bantams goal account.

Speaking from Finland, he told the Telegraph & Argus: "It's been good so far for me and Bradford have shown that we're a decent team.

"The performances we've had have certainly helped me get picked for Wales. There is no higher accolade than to play for your country and being included for such a big game is the pinnacle of my career.

"All the big names are here like Ryan Giggs and Robbie Savage and training has been more intense. We're all desperate to do well."

But Evans has one confession to make to Wales boss Mark Hughes - as a youngster he was not his greatest fan.

He said: "My heroes used to be Kenny Dalglish and people like Steve McMahon. I was a Liverpool fan and Mark Hughes always seemed to score against us!"