Wales legends Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are set to be offered places on a coaching course by their country's football association following this winter's World Cup.
The duo played key roles to help the Dragons reach their first World Cup since 1958, through the qualifying play-offs. They will go into England's group for the tournament in Qatar, alongside Iran and the United States.
Both Bale and Ramsey have endured a challenging few years at club level, with Real Madrid and Juventus respectively. There has been some rumblings that Bale in particular could be approaching the end of his career as player, following his miserable time in Madrid.
His national team are already beginning to plan for his retirement amid those rumours, with The Sun reporting both Bale and Ramsey will be offered places on coaching courses. Talks were held in the Netherlands last week as the Dragons travelled for a Nations League game.
The Football Association of Wales are hoping that the duo can help to inspire the next generation by moving into coaching when their careers do come to an end. Technical director David Adams revealed that the FAW are hoping to take advantage of their vast experience at the elite level.
"I was speaking to Gareth and Aaron away in Holland recently and they are really keen to do their coaching B and A licences in Wales - hopefully after the World Cup," Adams said of his plans for the pair.
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"I hope on the back of that we will be able to utilise their experiences to support our young players. I know Gareth and Aaron are extremely proud Welshman and I am sure they will be knocking my door down to come and speak to the players to get them advice and support.
"To have those people inspiring the next generation of young players is a fantastic asset to the future development of our game in Wales. It's great for us. I won't bother them before the World Cup about the coaching courses and coming to help on the player pathway. But I'll be getting onto them straight away after."
If Bale did turn to management, it would be a U-turn on his previous plans for after retirement. It would also mean that he follows in the path of the likes of Welsh national team-mates Joe Allen and Chris Gunter, with Adams hailing Bale and Ramsey for their leadership abilities.
"They are both natural leaders. They are naturally inspirational characters because of what they have achieved. It depends on them on what they want to do. It's worth giving them the opportunity," he added.
"The biggest thing is to give them an appetite for coaching to see if they enjoy it and if they are inspired and motivated by it then brilliant. Sometimes it's not for everyone. They have the skills and passion but it will be down to when they get into the course whether they enjoy coaching because you have to put both feet in.
"It will be a challenge but I hope they do. I hope we can inspire them to be the next coaches. It will be a great thing for Welsh football if they are involved with player development or longer term be involved with the national team."
