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Gareth Bale is getting better, warns Wales boss Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman says Gareth Bale is "just like the rest of the lads"
Image: Chris Coleman says he is never surprised by Gareth Bale

Chris Coleman has warned Wales' World Cup qualifying rivals that Gareth Bale is still improving.

Wales start out on the road to Russia at home to Moldova on Monday, with the nation still on a high after reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

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Bale played a pivotal role in that success by scoring seven times in qualifying and then becoming the first player for 12 years to score in all three group games of a European Championship.

But Wales boss Coleman says the Real Madrid forward is getting better - and that spells bad news for 2018 World Cup qualifying opponents Austria, Serbia, the Republic of Ireland, Moldova and Georgia.

"Gareth scored inside 75 seconds of Real's first game of the season, but I never get surprised by him," said Coleman.

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See both of Gareth Bale's goals as he helped Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their opening game of the new La Liga season

"I know he's capable of almost anything and I think Madrid are very excited about the future with 'Baleo'.

"They recognise that they've got someone who's going to be there for a while and someone who is capable of winning everything.

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"He's getting better and better still.

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"Along with that incredible ability he's got that first-class mentality as well.

"It's winning formula for Real Madrid and for Wales, and I think he will have another good season."

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - AUGUST 21:  Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring goal during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Re
Image: Bale celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad

Wales are without two of their Euro 2016 heroes as Aaron Ramsey and Jonathan Williams are both injured.

But Coleman expects Emyr Huws and Tom Lawrence, two players overlooked for summer selection in France, to play their parts in midfield during this World Cup campaign.

Cardiff City's Huws lost out on the final midfield spot to David Vaughan, who has since retired from international football, while Lawrence, who is on loan at Ipswich from Leicester, could not shift striker Simon Church from the squad.

Cardiff City's Emyr Huws
Image: Cardiff City's Emyr Huws could feature for Wales against Moldova

"They are two good young players and I do expect them to step up and make an impact," said Coleman.

"Emyr was disappointed not to make the squad and it was really close for him.

"Tom has had a little taste of campaign football [at the end of Euro 2016 qualifying].

"It's difficult when you're young and you're not playing for your club. We're mindful of that, but they can do well for us."

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