By David Williams
Aaron Ramsey is the man who can unlock Ireland’s defence tomorrow, Wales manager Ryan Giggs has claimed.
Ramsey is available for Sunday’s Nations League match against the Republic after being part of Juventus’ Covid-19 bubble following an outbreak at the Italian club.
Ramsey missed the 3-0 friendly defeat to England at Wembley on Thursday, but Giggs said: “Aaron’s trained all week with Juve and joined up with us in Dublin yesterday.
“He’s fit to play, he’s in good shape and Aaron has got that something different which can unlock defences.”
Bournemouth’s attacking midfielder David Brooks and Manchester United forward Daniel James are both fit for selection, although Giggs described them as “not 100 per cent”.
Giggs also said Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham are struggling to make Sunday’s match.
The pair travelled to Dublin after picking up injuries at Wembley.
“They are struggling a little bit but we are giving them as much time as possible. We don’t want to take any risks but we are keen for them to be involved.”
Wales opened their Nations League campaign last month with wins over Finland and Bulgaria.
Giggs added: “We’ve had a good start to the Nations League and we want to carry on.
“Three points put us in a good position. But we have to make sure we are right and we are better than we were against England.
“When you get beaten 3-0 people want to concentrate on the negatives, but there were a lot of positives as well.”
Wales have six points from their opening two games in the competition after 1-0 wins over Finland and Bulgaria last month.
Wales had put an eight-game unbeaten run together before losing 3-0 to England on Thursday.
The confidence gained in the last 16 months was evident in the opening 25 minutes at Wembley when Wales dominated possession, created a couple of half-chances and were comfortable at the back.
But Giggs’ young side were deflated by the first England goal and will need to show more resilience in Dublin.
The availability of Juventus playmaker Ramsey is a huge boost to Wales. Eyebrows were raised when Ramsey sat out the Wembley defeat as a precaution following positive coronavirus tests at Juventus, despite some of his team-mates playing for their countries.
Injuries have meant Ramsey has started only once for Wales in almost two years, but his ability to create and score goals could be the difference in Dublin.
BEN DAVIES: ‘Rhaid neud yn well’
Sylwadau’r amddiffynnwr wedi I Gymru golli 3-0 yn Wembley. pic.twitter.com/c3FtgCP96d
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) October 8, 2020
If anyone needs to catch a break in the Wales camp it is David Brooks. The 23-year-old forward sparkled initially on the international scene, but ankle surgery slowed his progress and Bournemouth’s relegation dropped him out of the Premier League.
Brooks was rested against England with the Nations League in mind and Wales will want him to provide an attacking threat, especially with captain Gareth Bale missing due to injury.
Wales could not cope with crosses at Wembley as England scored all three goals in that fashion. Mepham had a tough night and his place could be under threat even if he recovers from a knock.
Ben Cabango and Joe Rodon are Swansea team-mates, but they are used to playing in a three-man defence for their club.
Does Giggs – who favours two centre-backs – put them together when they have only seven caps combined, or could he switch Ethan Ampadu from midfield?
UEFA’s decision to link the Nations League with European qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar means Wales can not afford to take their foot off the pedal after a strong September start.
Successful trips to the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria this week would put Wales in a powerful position ahead of two closing home games, as well as picking up valuable ranking points.
Wales finish their Nations League campaign in November with Cardiff games against the Republic and Finland.
