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Wales boss Chris Coleman says his side must deal with being seen as a scalp

Wales manager Chris Coleman at a training session ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland

Wales boss Chris Coleman says his side must deal with being seen as a scalp as they prepare to face Republic of Ireland, live on Sky Sports.

Third-placed Wales have ground to make up in the World Cup Qualifiers, with their opponents Group D leaders and four points ahead of them before their Aviva Stadium clash.

But Coleman could name the side which shocked Belgium 3-1 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 for the first time since that memorable night in Lille.

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Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies have missed games since that victory, but are available against the Republic, with Real Madrid's Gareth Bale spearheading the attack.

"People look at us now in these first four games and we've won one and drawn three," said Coleman.

"We can hardly go under the radar now. We're seen as a scalp now and we have to deal with that. But we've lost one campaign game in 16. That's the truth of the matter.

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"Whatever happens against the Republic these players are at a great age, and their attitude and application is the best I've ever seen.

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"They will go on and on and achieve long after I've gone. Whatever pressure people put on them for this game is up to them, but I won't be doing that because I trust them."

Coleman insists Wales will be a major influence in the group even if they do not claim victory in Dublin.

Wales are two points behind second-placed Serbia, who they will play in Belgrade in June.

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Chris Coleman admits he can't understand why Jurgen Klopp was unhappy at a lack of a phone call after calling up Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn

"You get written off today, built up tomorrow - but we're right in it," Coleman added.

"The Republic of Ireland know it, make no mistake about that. People say it's a must-win game for us, but I won't be saying that.

"We're not going into this game thinking it doesn't matter, of course it matters. But there are 18 points to play for and a long way to go.

"This is the fifth game in 10 and some of those games we've had good form. We've lost focus at times, but this time round it's different.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Wales on Friday night. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.

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