Wilson’s stunner gives Wales away win

Harry Wilson curled home a stunning free-kick as Ryan Giggs’ understudies made light of the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to deepen the Republic of Ireland’s woes.

The Derby winger left keeper Darren Randolph rooted to the spot as his 58th-minute strike secured a 1-0 Nations League victory for Wales.

The result piled the pressure on Ireland boss Martin O’Neill amid boos on the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium.

Until that point, an error-strewn game had lumbered along in mundane fashion but once they had their noses in front, Giggs’ youngsters rarely looked like surrendering their lead as the Republic’s lack of creativity was once again cruelly exposed.

O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane will mark five years at the helm next month, when they will need Denmark to lose in Wales and to then record their first win in five competitive matches in Aarhus three days later if they are to avoid relegation from League B.

Wales were without star men Bale, through injury, and Ramsey following the birth of his twins - the first time one of the two had not featured in a competitive game since the latter made his debut in 2008.

The decisive moment came when Harry Arter’s clumsy challenge on Connor Roberts 22 yards out handed Wilson the chance to test Randolph and the keeper took a fatal step behind his wall as Wilson curled a left-foot shot into the top corner.