Aaron Ramsey has blasted Kevin Ratcliffe after the former Wales skipper questioned whether the Arsenal midfielder was ready to take on the role as national team captain.

Ramsey, 20, will become Wales’ youngest skipper when he leads out the side against England in Cardiff.

Ratcliffe, now a respected commentator on Welsh football, had criticised the decision to promote the country’s star player.

Battle cry: Ramsey is determined to lead Wales to victory over England after being named captain

However, despite being regarded as a somewhat shy and introverted individual, Ramsey brushed aside suggestions that he had been promoted ahead of his time with a confident show yesterday.

‘I don’t think I am too young,’ he said. ‘I have played about 50 appearances for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I played at a high level already in my career.

‘I know I am not a screamer and a shouter and I won’t change the way I am, but it is not just me.

‘It is about the other players as well, playing and working as a team.

‘Obviously some people will disagree with the manager’s decision, but he has made it and, hopefully, I can prove it correct.’

Ramsey also claimed he was ready to show that he has recovered fully from the horrific injury suffered in a challenge with Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross last February.

I’ve come back from a bad injury in the past year and I’ve had to be strong mentally to get through that,’ said Ramsey.

‘I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family and messages from the fans. I think I’ve grown up as well.

‘So this is a special moment for me. I’m honoured to be the captain of my country at such a young age. I’ve wanted to do this since I was a boy. When the manager asked me I snapped his hand off. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t have done.’

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