CHERRIES defender Chris Mepham revealed reaching 100 caps for Wales is "the target for me" having seen two of his international teammates achieve the feat in recent years.

Despite only turning 24 in November, Mepham already has 26 caps to his name for his country.

He made his debut four years ago today, in a 6-0 win against China.

He has again been selected as part of Rob Page's squad, as Wales gear up for this week's huge World Cup play-off clash against Austria on Thursday.

During the last international window, Gareth Bale moved into three figures for appearances for Wales.

He is the second centurion in the current squad, after all-time leading appearance maker Chris Gunter also reached that figure last year.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey currently sits on 98, having also played his part in Wales's run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

Among Mepham's 26 caps were three appearances at Euro 2020 last summer.

Asked how big an achievement it feels to have already become such an important part of the Wales squad since making his debut in March 2018, Mepham told the Daily Echo: "It’s something I could’ve only dreamt of really.

"I think just getting one cap for your country is a massive honour, but obviously at my age to have that many, it’s something that I’m definitely proud of.

"And I’m keen to add to that.

"You look at people in recent years like Gareth Bale or Chris Gunter reaching 100 caps, yeah it might seem a little bit unrealistic, but certainly that’s the target for me.

"To just try and add as many as I can and if I can get anywhere near that, then it will be amazing."

Should Wales defeat Austria, they would then face either Scotland or Ukraine later in the year for a spot at November's World Cup in Qatar.

"An opportunity for Wales to be in a World Cup is incredible," said Mepham.

"To think a fairly small nation, to be kind of competing against the biggest countries in the world in terms of football would be a massive honour and hopefully we can progress."