Wales boss Ryan Giggs expected to draw Ireland in Nations League and has no concerns about Gareth Bale
RYAN GIGGS says he expected Wales to be handed another Nations League showdown with the Republic of Ireland.
The Dragons did the double over the Irish in the previous campaign, winning 4-1 at home before claiming a 1-0 away win in Dublin.
Wales also faced their Celtic rivals in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and boss Giggs said: “The odds were that we were going to get Scotland, Northern Ireland or Republic and surprise, surprise we got the Republic again.
“We have played them a lot recently and they’re a team you have to respect.
“The Republic game stands out.
“We had two very different games against them, the one at home fantastic quality and brilliant goals and then the away game didn’t play well but dug out a result with a bit of magic from Harry Wilson.”
Euro 2020 finalists Wales also take on Finland, who will also be at this summer’s finals, and Bulgaria in League B of the Nations League, which starts in September.
Wales’ last meeting with Finland was a 2013 friendly draw in Cardiff while the previous clash with Bulgaria saw Gareth Bale scored the winner in Sofia eight-and-a-half years ago.
Giggs added: “It’s exciting. Finland are a team that has just qualified for a major championships for the first time and a team on the up.”
The Manchester United legend left the door open for Hal Robson-Kanu to make a late dash for his Euro squad after the West Brom striker reversed his decision to retire from international football.
Giggs said: “Everyone is still a possibility.
“A lot has been made of me giving young players a chance but age doesn’t matter to me.
“If players are playing well and performing then it doesn’t matter.”
Gareth Bale did not start for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League last week but Giggs does not have any concerns over the form of his talisman ahead of the summer.
Giggs added: “I’ve had the same question for the last two years.
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“He played in every game for us in the qualifying campaign and he gave his all.
“It’s like every player, that balance between not playing too many games and playing enough games so you come to the Euros fresh and firing.
“He’s fantastic not only on the pitch but off it as well, he loves coming away with his friends with Wales and always feels at home when he turns up for internationals.”