Skip to content

Chris Gunter confident Wales can deal with the Republic of Ireland's physicality

Image: Chris Gunter has backed Wales to recover from their heavy defeat to Spain

Chris Gunter is confident that Wales can handle the Republic of Ireland's combative style in their Nations League showdown.

Wales are likely to be without talisman Gareth Bale in Dublin on Tuesday as the Republic seek revenge for their 4-1 away defeat last month.

Ryan Giggs' side were badly exposed by Spain in Cardiff on Thursday, but Gunter said the hunger of the Wales squad to succeed should not be questioned after that 4-1 friendly loss.

"Over a long period, I don't think a lack of fight or desire can be labelled at this squad," said the 90-times capped Reading defender.

Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen look dejected as Spain cruised to a 3-0 half-time lead
Image: Wales lost 4-1 against Spain in a friendly earlier this week

"We have enough credit not to be accused of that. We gave away goals early and then Spain kept the ball. It looked worse than it was.

"Ireland will be a little more physical, but we have stood up to them before and we can look back at those experiences knowing we can deal with them."

Wales overpowered Ireland in September when Bale was among the scorers in an exhilarating home performance.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of Wales' international friendly against Spain at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

And Gunter feels the short turnaround in fixtures will help Wales to get their Spanish inquisition out of the system.

"Sometimes in international football, you don't get a chance to put it right so quickly," he said. "But we are in a good position as we have this chance now with another important game.

"In my experiences of the last couple of years, we have been without key players a few times and haven't done too badly."

Tom Lawrence put Wales ahead inside 10 minutes
Image: Wales beat the Republic of Ireland 4-1 in September

David Brooks is set to be recalled after his impressive showing as a second-half substitute against Spain.

Bournemouth's summer signing troubled Spain with his pace and set up Sam Vokes' last-minute consolation goal with a delicious cross.

"You've got to feel confident in yourself to come on and make a difference," Brooks said. "I tried to go forward as much as I could and hopefully make an impact."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win Jeff's £1 million.

Around Sky