From Graham Thomas in Bordeaux
Chris Coleman has promised Wales will illuminate Euro 2016 with “a splash of brilliance” when they begin their first tournament campaign for 58 years on Saturday.
Whether or not that comes from Gareth Bale, the Wales manager did not specify. But Coleman was in buoyant mood as he celebrated his 46th birthday in Bordeaux on the eve of his team’s first group match against Slovakia.
Coleman conceded that Bale will be a marked man against the Slovakians – and against every other side the Real Madrid star faces – but he believes referees will offer his most dangerous players the protection they require.
“Now is not the time to sit back and just enjoy things,” said Coleman in his final press conference before Wales start their campaign.
“If we enjoy it because we are performing well, then we will enjoy it and remember it all the more. The players here are mainly the gang that got us to this tournament and we will be true to the values that have worked for us and made the nation proud.
“That involves hard work, being hard to play against, giving the opposition nothing, and having the odd splash of brilliance.”
All among the estimated 30,000 Wales fans who have travelled to Bordeaux will be hopeful that Bale can provide the brush strokes that Coleman craves.
Coleman was angered that his striker came in for some rough challenges against Sweden in a friendly last weekend, but he believes the tournament referees will take a much firmer line.
“Our players mostly play in the Premier League and the Championship where they are used to a certain type of football. Our referees there are probably more lenient than in the rest of Europe.
“So, hopefully, Gareth will get the protection he deserves. I expect the Slovakians will pay him plenty of attention, but then we will do the same to their best players and Gareth will be given plenty of attention all the way through.
“But he’s used to the spotlight. He’s looking forward to it. The eyes of the world have been on him for a while and he’s used to it.”
Coleman insisted once more than Joe Ledley has recovered fully from the broken leg he suffered only a month ago and that the Crystal Palace midfielder will be in the mix for a starting place.
But Ledley is far more likely to be on the bench, with either Andy King or David Edwards taking his place alongside Joe Allen for the opening fixture.
The same goes for the team’s other main injury concern over the past fortnight, Hal Robson-Kanu, who is also more certain of a place among the substitutes that a starting spot, with Burnley’s Sam Vokes set to be preferred.
Coleman added: “Walking out with the team tomorrow will be a career highlight and something special. But we are not here to just smile and have fun. We are here to perform.
“These players have no doubts and no fears. They are ready to do Wales proud.”
