DRAGON MEPHAM: IF I DON’T SNOOZE, I LOSE
with muscle fatigue. Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Ben Woodburn and Connor Roberts all hope to impress.
Spain hit World Cup finalists Croatia for six last month, but Giggs said: “The boys will be fine and they will have to be on top of their game.
“It is exciting, a new stage, a new venue. Like always, I want them to express themselves.
“If they are in the team it is for a reason. I say to them, ‘Do the things that made me pick you’.”
Asked if the rookies are ready, Williams said: “You don’t know until they get involved.
“They have good heads on their shoulders.
“Raw ability and talent-wise they are unbelievable. They listen and are down-to-earth.”
Giggs must consult with Real Madrid before talisman Bale can hopefully be passed fit to face Ireland next week. Bale will get on the pitch this evening, but only to receive a golden boot to mark his 30 goals for Wales.
Giggs said: “The medical team are in dialogue with Madrid. The decision is he is not fit. Gareth has muscle fatigue from the weekend. We’ll give him every chance for Tuesday against Ireland. It’s 50-50 and we don’t want to take any risks.”
Giggs says Sam Vokes or teenager Tyler Roberts can step in for Bale. “That is why I fast-tracked the younger lads,” he said.
“We need a plan B. We need lads who are capable of pushing to get in, even when our best players are fit.” WALES defender Chris Mepham won’t be having nightmares about facing Spain tonight – after his club Brentford employed a sleep coach. Expert Anna West is part of a Bees backroom team that includes a specialist ball-striking coach and a psychologist. Centre-back Mepham, who has four caps after making his debut in against China last term, insists he is reaping the benefits. Ahead of Wales against 2010 World Cup winners Spain in Cardiff, Mepham, 20, revealed: “I must admit I have had problems sleeping. It is an area as a professional footballer you have to have good sleep every night – especially when you have a game on the Saturday.
“You need your eight to nine hours’ sleep. For a couple of weeks I wasn’t getting that and it was important for me to speak to someone about it.
“Luckily, we had someone at the club, who was brought in, called Anna.
“She has worked closely with me over the last couple of months.
“She has given me a few tips, such as reading books and to rest my mind at night.
“I have taken that on board – and I am feeling the benefits.”