Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ledley: It is time to be smart
JOE LEDLEY has called for clear heads as Wales seek to secure a 2018 World Cup play-off spot amid the emotion of a derby game against the Republic of Ireland.
Tom Lawrence’s superb second-half strike gave Wales a 1-0 win in Georgia on Friday night – their third successive victory in World Cup qualifying.
With so much on the line, emotions will be running high in Cardiff, especially as memories remain fresh of their Dublin clash in March.
That game was shrouded in controversy when Seamus Coleman suffered a broken leg.
“Obviously we know it is a derby, but we must not get involved,” Ledley said.
“We need to be clever and we have a lot of experience, so it is down for us.
“Monday will be a battle and they will fight hard, it is always the same.
“But it will be a great occasion, and hopefully we can do it with one last push.”