COLWILL: VETS CAN GUIDE US

RUBEN COLWILL believes Wales’ ageing players will play on to continue to guide the next generation.

Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey,

Joe Allen and Wayne

Hennessey all face decisions on their international futures.

Skipper and record scorer

Bale was subbed at the break in the 3-0 defeat to England as 21-year-old Brennan Johnson replaced the 33-year-old Wales legend.

But Cardiff youngster Colwill, 20, who came off the bench against England, says the experience of their senior stars has been vital to help the squad’s young prospects. And he hopes they will continue to represent their country when Rob Page’s men return to action in March in qualification for Euro 2024 after reaching the previous two finals.

The midfielder (left) said: “The older players are an important part of the squad. This whole trip they have been great with everyone – that experience they have is vital for us all. “We have some good young players. It was a great experience for all the younger boys to learn from Gareth, Aaron, Joe, Wayne and all the older boys. They have done this and been in many tournaments before. Those boys are all great and I think everyone is going to be working hard together to try to be in the best shape possible for the next tournament and the next few games coming up.”

Page’s men arrived in Doha with the aim of reaching the last 16.

But after opening with a 1-1 draw against the USA, a 2-0 loss to Iran followed and then the defeat to England in Group B.

Colwill reflected: “You always have to think the sky is the limit.

“We wanted to get out of the group but we knew it was going to be a tough group.”