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Aaron Ramsey admits missing Wales' semi-final against Portugal is hard to take

Wales' Aaron Ramsey looks dejected after being shown a yellow card during the UEFA Euro 2016, quarter final match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille.
Image: Aaron Ramsey against Belgium after picking up a second yellow

Aaron Ramsey admitted he is "gutted' to be missing the semi-final against Portugal, but backed Wales to progress without him.

Ben Davies joins Ramsey on the sidelines with both set to miss Wednesday's historic semi-final after picking up their second bookings of the tournament against Belgium.

Wales produced a magnificent performance to win 3-1 in Lille on Friday night, with Ramsey setting up two of the goals to take his number of assists at Euro 2016 to four.

However, a handball in the second half means the Arsenal midfielder will play no part against the Portuguese in Lyon.

"It was a sort of natural reaction and I knew straight away it was a yellow," said Ramsey.

LILLE, FRANCE - JULY 01:  Aaron Ramsey (top) and Wales players celebrate their team's first goal by Ashley Williams (obscured) during the UEFA EURO 2016 qu
Image: Ramsey and his team-mates celebrate their equaliser against Belgium

"I'm really gutted. But I'm confident in the players we have to step in and get us to the final."

Ramsey has been a big part of Wales' success in France and he has been responsible for more goals at Euro 2016 than any other player.

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The 25-year-old also scored in the 3-0 group game victory against Russia to add to his four assists.

"It (Belgium game) was up there with the best performances of my career, especially on the stage that it was," said Ramsey, whose other booking came in stoppage-time during the last-16 win over Northern Ireland.

Wales' Aaron Ramsey celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Euro 2016, Group B match at Stadium Municipal, Toulouse.
Image: Ramsey has been one of the stand-out performers of the tournament

"I wanted to stand up and be counted, so I am delighted I was able to help my team and grab a couple of assists that meant we won quite comfortably in the end.

"Now we have to beat Portugal. I am sure it will sink in before then that I will not be playing.

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"But I will be right behind my team, cheering them on and kicking every ball.

"I will be right in the mix of it, so hopefully they can do it."

Wales' defender Ben Davies (R) is booked by Slovenian referee Damir Skomina during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between Wales and Belgium
Image: Ben Davies is also suspended for the semi-final

Left-back Davies also misses out against Portugal after picking up an early booking for bringing down Belgium forward Kevin De Bruyne.

The Tottenham defender is likely to be replaced by James Collins, but Ramsey feels Wales have enough strength in depth to cover with the loss of two first-choice players.

"Of course everyone is ready to step in for myself and Ben," said Ramsey.

Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale (R) celebrates a goal with Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Image: Welsh talisman Gareth Bale will face off against his Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo

"Everyone wants to achieve something special for each other. We are a team and we showed it against Belgium.

"The fact it is Gareth Bale versus (Real Madrid team-mate) Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday is going to be mentioned.

"But Gareth will tell you himself that it is not about that."

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