Gareth Bale admits it was a relief to end his 16-game run without a goal for Wales in the dramatic 3-2 win over Belarus.
Prior to Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Russia, Bale had not netted for his country since scoring in a 1-1 draw with Croatia in October 2019.
But Bale’s trio of strikes – which included two penalties – against Belarus earned Rob Page’s men a vital 3-2 win and took Bale’s personal goal tally to 36 for Wales.
And while he had concerns over his barren run, Bale admits he has been satisfied with his overall contribution to the cause.
“A little bit I suppose, only because everybody brings it up,” he said when asked if his goal drought had been playing on his mind.
“I knew I hadn’t scored in a while, but I always felt I was getting in positions to score, I just wasn’t finishing them.
“I was creating enough goals so I wasn’t too worried in terms of my output to help the team.
“But it’s always nice to get back amongst the goals, and, more importantly as long as we win and do well I think everyone knows that’s the most important thing.”
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Harry Wilson is available on Wednesday night having served a one-game suspension for the red card he collected in Wales’ 4-0 Euro 2020 defeat to Denmark in June.
Ethan Ampadu, Tyler Roberts and Brandon Cooper are also available after missing Sunday’s win against Belarus due to visa issues.
And Page has been handed a further boost as Tottenham defender Joe Rodon is in contention to feature against Estonia after recovering from an injury.
“He’s [Rodon] played 26 minutes since our last game at the Euros so I think that leaves it out there for everyone to make their own conclusions from that,” said Page.
“It’s great that he’s joined up on camp. He’s fully fit. He’s had one training session with us today.
“He’s a massive part of what we’re doing moving forward and it’s great to have him back with the boys.”
The hosts will still be without a number of key players including Kieffer Moore, David Brooks, Connor Roberts and Neco Williams.
And Page has revealed Wales had hoped Aaron Ramsey would be available for their third and final game of the current international break, although the 30-year-old did not recover in time to travel from Italy to Cardiff.
“We’ve been in constant contact with the club [Juventus] and Aaron himself,” added the boss.
“He pushed and pushed but he just fell short of where they wanted him to be to allow him to come away.
“It’s frustrating but we’ve got other players we can give the opportunity to.”
Wales are currently third in Group E, although they boast two games in hand over Belgium and Czech Republic who are first and second respectively.
Kick-off is at 7:45pm tomorrow night.
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