DAVID Edwards insists victory is a must in Montenegro tomorrow — and Wales can handle that pressure.

Edwards looks likely to start at the City Stadium, Podgorica, as Jack Collison and Aaron Ramsey are ruled out with long-term injuries, while Andrew Crofts and Brian Stock withdrew from the squad on Monday.

Wales travel for their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in upbeat mood after being drawn in a group that looks evenly balanced, aside from top seeds England.

But Edwards has warned Wales face a bitter battle to finish ahead of Montenegro, Bulgaria and Switzerland and it is vital they steal a march on their rivals.

"It's a very tight group — I think anyone can beat anyone so if we can get off to a good start then hopefully we can be the team that comes to the front," said the Wolves man.

"We're going to Montenegro to get the three points.

"They're the bottom-seeded team, but there's no way in the world they should be a bottom-seeded team. It's just because they're a new nation.

"It's a very tough place to go. It's hostile in these countries and they've got a lot of good players.

"If we do get a draw out there, we'll be playing catch-up.

"We can't have the mentality that 0-0 will be enough because we really want to win the game."

With most of Wales's much-heralded next generation now playing regularly for their clubs, Edwards says it is time to deliver on the international stage.

"The age of the squad shouldn't be used against us because there is a lot of experience with the young lads," he said.

"There is no excuse.

"I've got 19 caps so I've got the experience. I'm 24 so I'm a little bit older than a few of the boys so I don't feel the pressure.

"We've definitely got the players in the squad to beat them so we've got to make sure we work hard, first and foremost.

"As a team I feel there's a little bit of pressure because there's a bit of expectation on us, but so there should be."