CARDIFF - Coach Osian Roberts knows emotions will be running high when Wales meet Costa Rica but says the squad can honour Gary Speed's memory by using the fixture as a springboard for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The meeting with the south American side is being held as a memorial to Speed, who died in November, and will be the first time Wales have played since his death.
The game will also mark the first game for new manager Chris Coleman, who has brought former Fulham team-mate Kit Symons in as part of his backroom team, although he will take a background role as Roberts and Raymond Verheijen lead the side.
And Roberts, who is confident the coaching quartet can work well together, is well aware of the need for sensitivity as the squad prepare for the Cardiff City Stadium clash.
Speaking at the announcement of the 24-man squad to face Costa Rica, Roberts said: "The players will be coming in as human beings and how they will react, we don't know.
"We will have to manage the situation as sensitively as we can and be there for them.
"This will be the first time they have been together since Gary's death and they are difficult circumstances but it is important we draw strength from each other." (PA)