There's only one Joe Allen and he is 'irreplaceable' says Chris Coleman ahead of Euro 2016

Chris Coleman insists Wales are still heading towards Euro 2016 in a positive frame of mind despite a poor run of results.

Wales' 1-0 defeat to fellow finalists Ukraine in Kiev on Monday night made it only one win in six games either side of qualifying for the nation's first major tournament experience in 58 years.

Since September, Wales have drawn at home to Israel, lost in Bosnia and beaten one of European football's whipping boys, Andorra, in their closing Euro 2016 qualifiers.

In the three friendlies since securing qualification, Wales have lost to Holland and Ukraine and been held at home by Northern Ireland.

Chris Coleman and Tom Bradshaw after the Ukraine friendly. Credit: PA

But Coleman believes those results have masked some satisfying Wales performances.

Joe Allen is Credit: PA

Coleman also cited mitigating circumstances in the quality of the opposition Wales have faced in the build-up towards this summer's finals in France.

The 45-year-old has always felt it is better for Wales to test themselves against better teams, rather than play weaker sides and record "wins for the CV".

Sam Vokes is tackled by Ukraines's Yevhen Khacheridi. Credit: PA

And, although he did not say it in the aftermath of a Kiev clash Coleman was once again without his two most influential players.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have not featured in any of the three friendlies since the final Euro 2016 qualifying game against Andorra.

The real bright spot for Wales in Kiev, on a night when they enjoyed 54 per cent possession but struggled to create genuine scoring chances, was the form of Joe Allen.