'I will play as long as I can, as long as I'm wanted," said Wales captain Gareth Bale shortly after his team were emphatically dumped out of the World Cup this week.
Questions over the future of Bale, who will be nearly 35 by time the European Championships get underway in 2024, were perhaps inevitable amid the disappointment of the tournament.
Having given so much, the likes of Bale and Aaron Ramsey may well feel they deserve to go out on their own terms. But at the same time, there's an inescapable feeling that Wales are due a rebuild.
READ MORE: 'We go again' - Gareth Bale adamant Wales career isn't over despite World Cup battering
Some will already be looking through the age groups to see where the next potential superstars will be coming from.
Here are 10 youngsters who could well be knocking on the door soon....
Jordan James, 19 (Birmingham City)
Was something of an outside bet to make the squad for Qatar on the back of some impressive performances for Birmingham and was called up to the senior set-up for the UEFA Nations League. His chances were perhaps harmed by minutes drying up at St Andrew's at the wrong time, but there's still plenty of excitement around the defensive midfielder. Rob Page decided to take him to the World Cup anyway as a standby option in order to get a flavour for what he'll hope will be the first of many tournaments to come.
Nathan Broadhead, 24 (Everton)
Despite his age, the centre-forward hasn't yet won a senior cap, although he was called up to the squad for the World Cup play-offs, before being forced to pull out through injury. For a lot of fans, he first came onto the radar during a sparkling loan spell in League One with Sunderland, where he rattled in an impressive 13 goals in 27 appearances. Can play up front or out on the right. Currently on loan at Wigan.
Rubin Colwill, 20 (Cardiff City)
A name already familiar to many Wales fans, particularly those from the capital. First called up to the squad for Euro 2020, and netted his opening goal on the international stage in a friendly against the Czech Republic back in March. A mercurial creative force capable of playing across the front three, he's already enjoyed two starts for his country and will pick up many more over the coming years.
Ollie Cooper, 22 (Swansea City)
The man considered by Swans fans to be unlucky to miss out on a place in Page's World Cup squad. Has been superb this season and has emerged as a regular under boss Russell Martin. Was taken to Qatar as one of Page's standby options.
Luke Harris, 17 (Fulham)
There's already plenty of excitement around the teenage forward, who's previously captained his country at under-17s level. Was called up to the senior squad for the Nations League clashes back in September and was originally due to fly out to Qatar as one of Page's standby options before pulling out due to personal reasons.
He's only made three senior appearances for the Cottagers, but has already been touted as one of the most talented youngsters in the UK right now, with Premier League giants Chelsea even tipped to make a whopping £30million move.
Lewis Koumas, 17 (Liverpool)
Many will recognise the surname. The Liverpool youngster is the son of Wales and Cardiff City hero Jason, and is making a huge impression at academy level. A midfielder by trade, he's recently been deployed as a striker for the club's under-18s and has thrived, bagging nine goals and three assists in his first 12 games this season. Born in Chester, he hasn't yet declared his international allegiance, but if he continues on his current trajectory, it's likely to be only a matter of time before that changes.
Charlie Savage, 19 (Manchester United)
Savage junior has followed in dad Robbie's footsteps by signing on at Manchester United. Noted as a ball-playing midfielder, Savage put pen to paper on his first professional deal at Old Trafford back in April 2021, before making his first-team debut from the bench just a few months later against Young Boys in the Champions League. Was recently called up to the Wales Under-21s set-up.
Owen Beck, 20 (Liverpool)
The left-back is the great-nephew of goalscoring legend Ian Rush, and signed his first professional deal back in 2020, before penning a long-term contract around a year later, which indicates just how highly the Reds think of him. Has made seven appearances for the under-21s, netting one goal. Currently on loan at Bolton.
Ed Beach, 18 (Chelsea)
Has already been bestowed with the 'wonderkid' label by some onlookers. The goalkeeper completed a move to Stamford Bridge from Southampton in the summer, and has been a regular for the under-21s, keeping three clean sheets in 12 games this season. Hasn't yet progressed beyond the under-19s for his country, but could well be more involved in the under-21s picture soon.
Isaak Davies, 21 (Cardiff City)
Another academy product in the capital, Davies became something of a regular for the Bluebirds last season, making nearly 30 appearances under Steve Morison and netting three goals. Like team-mate Colwill, he can play across the front line. Has made five appearances at under-21s level for Wales, but hasn't yet made the step up to the senior set-up.
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