Under-pressure Chris Coleman has turned to Aaron Ramsey as an injury-ravaged Wales squad head into matches against Macedonia and Belgium.

Coleman has seen as many as 11 players withdraw from his party, raising fears that Wales could finish rock bottom of their World Cup qualification group.

Many of those absent are experienced names, such as Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and skipper Ashley Williams.

And it is the latter’s absence that sees Ramsey take hold of the captain’s armband on Friday evening for the match against Macedonia.

It was Coleman who removed Ramsey as Wales captain a year ago following a 6-1 thrashing to Serbia.

While Wales’s fortunes have scarcely improved since then, Ramsey has enjoyed a renaissance, hitting nine goals in 13 appearances for club and country so far this season, including a strike against Friday evening’s opponents Macedonia last month.

Though only 22, the Arsenal midfielder will be one of a handful established names on the teamsheet on Friday night when Wales take to the field in Cardiff.

Another is likely to be Craig Bellamy, who earlier this week confirmed that he would be retiring from international at the end of the ill-fated campaign.

Bellamy would have hoped to have left Wales in significantly ruder health.

Instead they have attained just six points from eight games, leading to speculation over Coleman’s future as Wales boss.

Speaking on Thursday, Coleman insisted he would not step down from the role no matter what happens.

“Whether you like it or not you are judged on results — simple as that,” said the 43-year-old.

“That’s how it always has been, that’s how it is. I’m here until the end of the campaign. I would never, ever have walked away from this job.

“I’ve always said managers are like stocks and shares. When you’re winning matches, your stock is high. When you aren’t then it’s different.

“The outcome of that is to be decided. Whatever will be, will be.”

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford has said that Coleman’s future will not be decided solely on what happens in the next two matches.

James Collins has also returned to the Wales squad after settling his differences with Coleman, who is also without the likes of Adam Matthews, Ben Davies, Danny Gabbidon, Sam Ricketts, Jack Collison, Joe Allen, Jonathan Williams and Joe Ledley.