Chris Gunter says Wales are not distracted by the complicated permutations which could determine their World Cup fate.
Second-placed Wales can still win Group D – and automatic qualification to next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia – if they overcome the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Monday and leaders Serbia fail to beat Georgia at home on the same evening.
There is even a scenario that Wales could top the group by drawing against the Republic and Serbia losing by two goals against Georgia.
Wales defender Chris Gunter was in relaxed mood as he spoke to the media on Sunday
The Reading full back is focused on beating Martin O’Neill’s side and nothing else on Monday
Gareth Bale laughs as he arrives to watch his team-mates prepare for Monday’s clash
But the World Cup picture could become a lot more complicated for Wales were they to edge out the Republic for second and be in competition with other group runners-up for a place in next month’s play-offs.
Victory would guarantee Wales a play-off spot, while even a draw might be enough depending on the outcome of the Ukraine-Croatia game.
‘We haven’t been sat with pen and paper, but we’re aware of scores elsewhere,’ Wales defender Gunter said.
‘But as players, if we don’t take care of our own business, then it doesn’t matter what happens elsewhere anyway.
Gunter talks to Aaron Ramsey during the training session on the eve of the encounter in Cardiff
Wales manager Chris Coleman watches on as his team got down to work on Sunday
Ashley Williams (right) and James Chester (left) looked focus ahead of the clash
Wales can still finish top of the group with a win and a defeat for Serbia against Georgia
‘All we can do is prepare for the game, do our work, and come the final whistle of course we will check what’s happened.
‘But not until then. It’s important to remember regardless of anything else we have to look after ourselves first and foremost.
‘I know what fans are like – my mates are the same – but it’s about what we do.
‘We have to focus on ourselves and not get distracted by anyone else.’
Arsenal midfielder Ramsey (second right) in action during a passing drill
The 28-year-old Gunter hopes Wales can take momentum from the win against Georgia
Wales go into the final qualifier on the back of successive wins against Austria, Moldova and Georgia.
The Georgia win was on Friday secured by Tom Lawrence’s superb second-half strike and another victory would represent Wales’ best run for 36 years.
‘We’ve got a lot of momentum about us and we’re in a good place,’ Gunter said.
‘The fans after the game on Friday show they really believe now.
‘We’ve won the last three, three clean sheets and we’ve proven before when we’re in that frame of mind we’re a tough nation to stop.’