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Wales players will go down in history, says Simon Davies

Players of Wales national team celebrate qualifying for Euro 2016.
Image: Players of Wales national team celebrate qualifying for Euro 2016.

This crop of Welsh players will "go down in history" after qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1958, according to Simon Davies.

Wales qualified out of Group B on Saturday for Euro 2016 despite losing 2-0 in Bosnia after Israel were surprisingly beaten by 2-1 Cyprus.

It is the first time Wales have qualified for a tournament since the 1958 World Cup - and it will be their first ever appearance at the Euros.

"It's history," said former Welsh international and Tottenham midfielder Davies, who was watching the game for Sky Sports from the studio.

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Gareth Bale was delighted to complete a dream by guiding Wales to Euro 2016 despite losing in Bosnia and says the achievement ranks 'right up there' in his

"It's been so long. How can we have not been at a major tournament with the players we've had! This group of players will now go down in history as the men that did it. It's amazing to see and I couldn't be more proud of them.

"Sometimes you see squads say they're together but they don't show it on the pitch, but this team have got a real bond. The results show that. When they lose the ball, you can see the fight and hunger they possess. That's the main reason why they have qualified."

Chris Coleman's side, who are now ranked above England in the FIFA world rankings, have shown remarkable improvement in the last 18 months.

As little as three years ago under Coleman, Wales endured a 6-1 humiliation against Serbia to end their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup - a result that the manager admitted nearly made him a resign.

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Chris Coleman spoke of his pride in leading Wales to their first major tournament since 1958.

However, he has put together a tough and exciting team and former international Danny Gabbidon thinks Coleman deserves huge praise for the job he has done.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It wouldn't have been how they wanted to get qualification but it doesn't matter. It's all about getting over the line.

"There's such a team ethic there. When they meet up they want to work hard for each other. They all had the same aim to qualify. The manager has got onside with that and has almost created a club-like atmosphere there.

"New players coming into the squad have to sing and do initiations - it's very much like a club atmosphere. From day one the team spirit has been there and the confidence has soared with such good results."

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