I WANT MOORE

Kieffer heading to be something special for Wales

KIEFFER MOORE admits playing alongside Gareth Bale has given him the “wow” factor.

But the 6ft 5in former lifeguard insists his “unusual” attributes can help bring the best out of Ryan Giggs’ expensive Wales stars.

The 27-year-old striker cut his teeth in the West Country backwaters of Paignton, Truro and Dorchester.

And he vows to continue spilling blood for the cause, if necessary, after a goal-scoring competitive debut in Slovakia which left him battered and bandaged.

Wigan’s £3million summer signing was handed a shock start on Thursday in Trnava despite not scoring this term in nine Championship games.

It was a bold call from boss Giggs with Wales’ hopes of qualifying automatically for next summer’s

Euro finals in the balance.

But Moore justified his inclusion with an all-action display featuring a headed opener.

Wales drew 1-1 but the point keeps alive their hopes in Group E where they host World Cup finalists and group favourites Croatia in the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow night.

Moore is confident his physicality and presence up front can help Wales thrive and get the most out of the likes of Bale and Manchester United’s Daniel James. Torquay-born Moore said: “There is no better feeling than seeing the ball hit the back of the net.

“To be given my competitive debut and to mark it with a goal is an amazing feeling.

“It was spinetingling stuff but I was very relaxed – and not at all apprehensive.

“As soon as I saw the cross from Dan go up in the air, I knew it was a goal.

“Sometimes you have a look around and you see these players and think ‘wow’.

“But the start gave me belief. Heading the ball is a huge part of my game and I’ll battle for the team.

“I will always give my all and always bleed for the cause. The gaffer just said, ‘be a nuisance’.

“He told me to try to hold the ball up, win everything and give the Slovakia defence a hard time.

“I believe I did that and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.

“I think I’m a very unusual player for international football but it’s a massive plus.

“You don’t see many players who can do what I do. It’s always an advantage.

“But I don’t believe I am a traditional target man.

“I’d like to think I’m very mobile and that I can run the channels when needed, I can finish too.

“I was knocked about in Slovakia – but I’m a strong lad and I’ll recover quickly.”