The fact that Gareth Bale will miss the Ireland match in Cardiff through injury - not to forget Wales' trip to Georgia, the complexion of the crescendo of the World Cup qualifying group has taken a slightly different tone.
From our own perspective, Martin O'Neill's side need to beat Moldova and get three points in Wales to give ourselves the best chance of a playoff spot.
But for ex-Welsh international John Hartson, the absence of Bale while disappointing for Wales does not mean it's a foregone conclusion.
"I think it's a challenge for the rest of the players. I don't think we've really got the credit that we deserved, getting to the semi finals of the European Championship 2016," he said.
"I think it's an opportunity for Wales and the players as a group to prove that they can go and win games of football without Gareth Bale because there is a lot of talk that we are a one-man team.
"Of course, he is massively influential for Wales, yes he is but I think it's quite disrespectful to the Joe Allens, Aaron Ramseys, young Ben Woodburns, Ashley Williams who's a terrific leader of men. It's very disrespectful to say we're a one-man team. But for all this talk, we have to go and prove it."
Thoughts later turned to a random subject from his playing days in regards to rumours that he tended to go commando as a player. Kevin Kilbane put the question to him and it turns out the trend is on-going.
Celtic's John Hartson appeals for a penalty, during the Bank of Scotland's premier league match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Andrew Milligan/PA Archive/PA Images
"I never wore pants. I still don't wear pants," he said, before turning the inquiry back from whence it came.
"What do you wear? Are you a boxers man? What are you?
"I was the same on the pitch as I what I was off it really. One thing my wife's never had to buy me is boxer shorts or pants because I don't wear any, simple as that. I don't think I'm the only male out there who doesn't where pants. I know a lot of people who don't wear pants and it's no big deal."
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