Midfielder Joe Allen says Wales’ 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland showed they can cope without star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Harry Wilson’s second half free-kick secured a second Nations League win for a youthful Wales side.
The game in Dublin was Wales’ first competitive fixture without their two leading players since Ramsey’s debut in 2008.
“It was important for us to cope without those two players,” Allen said.
“Everyone knows that they’re special players, but it’s important for us as a team to work to get a result when they’re not here.”
Wales were without injured Real Madrid forward Bale while Arsenal midfielder Ramsey left the squad after his wife gave birth to twin boys.
Manager Ryan Giggs had challenged his side to “prove people wrong” by beating the Republic of Ireland without Bale and Ramsey.
Giggs gave first starts to teenage Leeds striker Tyler Roberts and 18-year-old midfielder Matt Smith, on loan at Dutch side Twente from Manchester City.
Stoke City’s Allen played alongside Smith in midfield and the former Swansea City and Liverpool player was impressed with the youngster, who has featured regularly for Twente.
“It was great for me to play out there with him,” Allen added.
“He’s got so much in the locker and a player I think everyone’s going to look forward to seeing more and more of.
“You can certainly see why he’s at a club like Manchester City. He’s doing really well in Holland at the minute.
SOURCE: BBC SPORTS
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