Wales have finally made it - but just who are the likely 23 men who will make up the squad for the World Cup trip to Qatar.
Some tough decisions will need to be made, with players involved in Rob Page’s current squad having to be omitted as the numbers are trimmed to the allocation FIFA permit for each competing country.
It isn’t going to be easy for the manager, but these are the men who look likely to hold Wales’ World Cup fate in their hands.
GOALKEEPERS (3)
Wayne Hennessey (Burnley) Age 35
With over 100 caps to his name, the veteran shot-stopper is a legend of the Welsh game. Top-level experience makes him a key figure in Qatar and he has regained the number one spot from Danny Ward. Never lets Wales down.
Danny Ward (Leicester City) Age 28
Played second fiddle to Hennessey for much of his Wales career, but was handed his chance during the last Euros, took it superbly and was Rob Page’s first pick since - until the Ukraine match when Hennessey was restored in goal. He too never lets Wales down.
Adam Davies (Sheffield United) Age 29
Played most of his club football with Barnsley, before a move to Bramall Lane via Stoke City. Third choice behind Hennessey and Ward at the Euros and can expect a similar role out in Qatar
DEFENDERS (8)
Connor Roberts (Burnley) Age 26
Having left Swansea City to get Premier League football, he finds himself back in the Championship with relegated Burnley next season. But it shouldn’t affect Roberts’ Wales position as his swashbuckling forays forward down the right have become a key factor in how the team plays.
Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur) Age 29
Already has in excess of 70 caps to his name and, injuries permitting, can be expected to soar past the century mark for his country. Wales’ best defender, the five at the back system suits him perfectly as his Premier League know-how and coolness on the ball brings calm to the Wales back line. A colossus, really.
Joe Rodon (Tottenham Hotspur) Age 24
Like Davies, he has become a pivotal figure for Wales, if not featuring regularly at club level for Spurs. The former Swansea City man will be hoping for greater game time with his club heading into the finals, but he’ll be one of the first names on Wales’ team-sheet whatever.
Chris Mepham (Bournemouth) Age 24
Rodon’s former partner at the back with the under-21s, the two have come through together in the senior team. Has had the odd ropey game for Wales, but recovered well in recent times. Likely to be a back-up centre-half in the tournament but will be itching for his chance.
Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea) Age 21
At such a tender age he is already approaching 40 caps for Wales. It’s frightening to think what his final figure will be several years down the line. Equally aplomb at playing midfield or centre-back, he has become a key member of the team and could see his stock soar even further in Qatar. Spent the season on loan with Venezia in Italy.
Chris Gunter (unattached) Age 32
Wales’ record cap holder may be chosen ahead of Luton’s Tom Lockyer, although that would leave Wales short should anything happen to their first-choice centre-backs. However, Gunter’s vast experience is liked by Wales and he can be expected to travel.
Neco Williams (Liverpool) Age 21
What a talent this youngster is. He could light up Qatar with his dazzling rampages on the overlap, defensive solidity, energy and ability to create and score goals. And this playing out on the left too, instead of his preferred right-hand side. A superstar in the making - watch him make his mark at the World Cup. He won’t be fazed.
Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United) Age 23
From Saudi Arabia but with Welsh ancestry, he almost came from nowhere to mark his full debut with the winning goal against Bulgaria. Will provide back up to Williams on the left-hand side.
MIDFIELD (6)
Joe Allen (Stoke City) Age 32
If he hasn’t quite hit the heights of six years ago when named in the Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament, Allen remains a pivotal figure to Wales and is the glue which helps hold the midfield together.
Joe Morrell (Portsmouth) Age 25
Rob Page loves him, even if some fans beg to differ. Certainly possesses tenacity and gives everything to the cause in every game, but will expect to go more as a squad member than a World Cup starter.
Aaron Ramsey (Juventus) Age 31
He may not be wanted by the Italian giants, if reports are to be believed, but Ramsey is second name on every single Wales team-sheet only to a certain Gareth Bale. Mercurial midfield playmaker, whether he is given an advanced role or deeper one he’ll be the man pulling the strings out in Qatar.
Dylan Levitt (Manchester United) Age 21
Spent the season on loan with Dundee United, he’ll be hoping to make the cut ahead of others Wales will consider. Thrown in from nowhere by Ryan Giggs, a huge admirer who says Levitt raised standards in training, the Manchester United youngster appears to have held his own and should make the final squad,
Jonny Williams (Swindon Town) Age 28
Another of the Class of 2016 who Wales like to keep on board, similar to Chris Gunter, even though there might be claims for others. Hugely popular member within the dressing room and makes an impact with his direct running when he comes on as a substitute.
Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City) Age 20
If chosen, he’ll be the young gun in the squad. Meteoric first season for Cardiff and Wales, Colwill has the class needed at international level and might be called upon to conjure up a goal if Wales are struggling in any of their group games. Wildcard pick, but expect him to travel. Might be between him and Huddersfield's Sorba Thomas for this wild card spot.
Get your Wales World Cup 48-page souvenir special on Saturday, June 11. Order your copy via the online shop here
FORWARDS (6)
Harry Wilson (Fulham) Age 25
Has just come through an outstanding season where his creative brilliance helped Fulham win promotion to the Premier League. Certainty for the squad, he can play 10, centre-forward or out wide.
Gareth Bale (unattached) Age 32
What more is there to say? Wales’ captain, record scorer, talisman, Mr Nice Guy, fans’ idol. The key man, as always, once the World Cup gets underway. Viva Gareth Bale…
Dan James (Leeds) Age 24
Pace and direct running on the break causes havoc to opposition defences. James has been a Wales regular, but he will be mindful of the stunning emergence of Brennan Johnson and how that might impact upon things moving forward.
Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) Age 21
What a talent on our hands here. He possesses James’ blinding pace, but mixes it with Wilson’s silky creativity. That’s some combination. Has just soared into the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and if he shines in the early part of the season Wales will find it hard to not pick him in Qatar.
Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth) Age 29
The big man brings so much to the team - hold up play, aerial threat, set-piece defensive expertise - and he bangs in crucial goals, too. Kieffer has become a cult figure in Wales. He shone in the Euros and can shock a few defenders in Qatar, too.
Tyler Roberts (Leeds) Age 23
Appeared in 30 matches for Premier League Leeds in the season just gone and will be looking to play his part in Qatar, although it will be from a bench role given the abundance of Wales’ offensive riches.
