Wales boss Chris Coleman urges 'golden generation' to make more history

Chris Coleman has challenged Wales' 'golden generation' to make more history in their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Second-placed Wales can still win Group D - and automatic qualification to next summer's World Cup finals in Russia - if they overcome the Republic of Ireland and leaders Serbia fail to beat Georgia at home on the same evening.

But it is more likely that Wales and the Republic will be contesting second spot and the right to feature in next month's play-offs.

It is an opportunity that Wales manager Coleman does not intend to spurn as players who have long been labelled the 'Golden Generation' attempt to follow reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 by securing the nation's first appearance at a World Cup for 60 years.

"The players have proven this is a golden era," Coleman said at his press conference ahead of the Cardiff clash.

Wales' Tom Lawrence (centre) and Hal Robson-Kanu (left)during the training session at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. Credit: PA

Welsh fans have called on Coleman's squad to rekindle the so-called 'Spirit of '58' ahead of their final group game.

The 1958 tournament in Sweden was the only previous time that Wales have reached the World Cup finals, making it all the way to the quarter-finals before losing 1-0 to Brazil.

Coleman said: "1958 is nothing to do with this squad of players. You can look back and say, 'We've never done this or never done that'.

Gareth Bale watched on as his team-mates train ahead of the final qualifier. Credit: PA

Wales will once again be without the injured Gareth Bale, who watched his team-mates train at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.

And Coleman dismissed fears of a grudge match after what happened when the two sides met in Dublin last March.

Republic captain Seamus Coleman had his leg broken by a challenge from Wales defender Neil Taylor in the goalless draw and has not played football since.