Wales are not about to panic

WALES head to Dublin on Friday for their pivotal World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland with Chris Coleman’s men adamant that they are not suffering from a Euro 2016 hangover.

Led by Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, above, Wales made it to the semi-finals in France last summer in their first tournament since 1958.

Things have not been quite so straightforward in their bid to reach next year’s World Cup in Russia. Wales lie third in Group D, four points behind leaders the Republic of Ireland. They have won only once but remain unbeaten.

Coleman’s assistant Osian Roberts said: “There’s been no hangover from the Euros. All of a sudden we’re expected to beat teams and beat them comfortably.

“It shows how far we’ve come. You’ve got to look at the positives. We haven’t lost yet and we haven’t looked like losing.

“We’re slightly behind in terms of our points target – probably two points behind. But we know that if we win our games, it’s in our hands and we’ve got a chance.”

Coleman and Wales will have Bale fit to start while 17-year-old Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn could be in line for his first senior cap off the bench.

Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his surprise at not receiving a courtesy call from Coleman over the call-up.

“I don’t know exactly what’s normal here,” said Klopp. “This should not be a criticism, but I thought it would be possible to call me.”

Woodburn’s Anfield team-mate Harry Wilson, 19, was called up yesterday to replace injured Ipswich midfielder Tom Lawrence.