WHAT have Christiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho and former Swindon Town midfielder Tom Jones got in common?

Answer: They will all be battling for points in Group A of Euro 2008 qualifying on Saturday.

While the Portugese wizards are bidding to close on group leaders Poland with a win in Belgium, Jones will be looking to inspire European minnows Armenia to their first win of the campaign, away at Kazakhstan.

Jones, who made 207 appearances for Town between 1988-92, has been appointed part-time coach of Armenia and while he accepts he has "one hell of a challenge" on his hands, insists there is a lot to be excited about.

His latest appointment continues a remarkable coaching journey since 2004, which has seen him swap Hellenic League outfit Shrivenham for first South Korean giants Busan Icons and now Armenia.

He still dreams of one day returning to the professional game in England, in a full-time coaching capacity, but for the moment is focused on helping Armenia pit their wits against some of Europe's greats.

Saturday's trip to Kazakhstan may not be the most glamorous opener for Jones but, with Poland awaiting on Wednesday and then Portugal, Belgium and Finland to come, Jones knows he has been handed a chance of a lifetime.

He said: "These sort of opportunities don't come along too often. It is absolutely fantastic for me.

"To work with a national team at any level is a huge honour.

"There are a lot of huge games coming up and when you think we will be playing against the likes of Ronaldo, it is unbelievable really.

"Don't get me wrong. No-one in this country expects us to win the group but football in Armenia is getting better all the time. I have watched videos of football over here and the standard is good.

"I know we only have one point, that was a draw against Finland, but we have a game in hand and don't concede too many goals. We just need to start scoring some.

"European football is up and coming all over the world. Armenia is no different.

"We have players plying their trade in Serbia, Russia and even for Ajax so that shows we do have quality."

Jones, 42,who also played for Reading and Aberdeen in a distinguished playing career, believes the last few years have stood him in good stead to return to England one day.

But just how did someone who until recently was coaching the New College Academy end up in the far east and then in European Championship qualifying?

"It has all come about through Ian Porterfield, who was my manager when I was at Aberdeen.

"He asked me out to Korea and then I got a call from him a few weeks ago asking me to Armenia, where he is now manager.

"I flew out on Friday and we have all been working towards Saturday and then Poland on Wednesday."

Armenia's lowly status in European football might be a daunting experience for many but as far as Jones is concerned a bit of self-belief goes a long way.

He said: "I have always been a believer. You have to believe in yourself because if you don't no-one else is going to.

"I am never going to take a job and just accept something, I will always believe I can help improve things. You have to believe you are the best."

As for the future, Jones admits he would relish a return to his homeland one day.

"For the moment I am with Armenia," he said. "But it is only part time and of course I would love something permanent with an English club. I believe I have learnt so much over the last few years and am confident I would be a good addition to someone back home."