Barry wants a repeat from Wales

WALES will never forget their Euro 2016 adventure.

But former captain Barry Horne is hoping the brilliant run to the semi-finals in France can be the platform for reaching the World Cup in 2018.

Chris Coleman’s side are top seeds in Group D and will be favourites to take the sole automatic qualifying spot.

Now there is expectation for Gareth Bale and Co. to replicate performances like the 3-1 victory over Belgium.

Wales kick off against Moldova in Cardiff tomorrow night and Horne knows that everyone must be ready to write a new chapter.

“At the moment, the memories of France are still alive,” he reflects. “There will be an amazing reception for the players and a celebratory mood inside the stadium. But once the whistle goes, the Euros are done and dusted. A line has to be drawn under it.

“The good thing is that the squad is at a perfect age. There are lots of players in their mid-to-late Twenties with lots of caps already. All of those players have at least one more campaign in them.

“The experience of the Euros should stand them in good stead and will have whetted their appetite to be in Russia.

“But it’s up to the manager to make sure they are ready to go again. Chris Coleman performed brilliantly in France, with his tactics, in front of the camera, everything.

“The challenge is to do it again . But that is what the best managers do. They keep winning trophies at club level, or they keep qualifying for tournaments.”

There are no heavyweights in the group, but it’s full of opponents, who will make life awkward for the Welsh according to Horne.

“This will be a more difficult campaign,” he says. “Serbia, Austria and Ireland will all think they can qualify. So I’m expecting six tough, close games.

“It would be another massive achievement if we can reach the World Cup. I’m quietly confident we’ll do it if our best players are on the pitch more often than not.”