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Chris Coleman says Wales will draw on big-game experience for Ireland showdown

Wales' players congratulate Joe Allen (C) after he scores during the World Cup 2018 qualifier against Moldova, on September 5, 2016
Image: Wales host the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Monday night

Wales manager Chris Coleman insists his players have nothing to fear as their World Cup campaign finishes with a winner-takes-all decider against the Republic of Ireland.

The two countries meet in Cardiff on Monday night, live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm, with both still holding outside chances of topping Group D - and with it an automatic ticket to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, should Serbia slip up at home to Georgia.

But victory will guarantee either side a place in the November play-offs as one of the eight best runners-up in European qualifying.

"I don't want to sound over-confident but we've sat here before with these big games," said Coleman, who knows a point will also secure a play-off place for the Dragons if Group I rivals Croatia and Ukraine draw with the same or fewer goals scored on Monday night as Wales.

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"Two years ago, it would have been brand new, but I can't wait for it.

"We look forward to these games because I've been in positions where I didn't know if I'd still be in a job if I'd lost that next game.

"There's s no fear from me in this situation and there's nothing for the players to fear.

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Highlights of Wales' Group D World Cup Qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi

"It's big as anything we've been involved in, but the good thing is we've been here before and we've got that experience.

"I think it will be toe-to-toe, end-to-end. Both sets of players are quite similar, so I can see it being a lot of contact and very exciting.

"I don't think it will be one of those fights where we are jabbing at each other. I think we will go for it, both teams."

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