Roberts plots future without Bale

Roberts plots future without Bale

Wales defender Connor Roberts has stated that his nation must start making plans for life in the future without superstar captain Gareth Bale.

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Bale misses double-header

Bale will miss out on both the Czech Republic game and the Red Dragons' home tie against Estonia on Monday after he picked up an injury while training with Real Madrid.

Both Wales and Czech Republic are on seven points in their qualifying group, but the Welsh have played a game less, although either side looks like catching Belgium at the top of the group and are therefore likely playing for second spot and the play-off place.

Wales won the reverse fixture 1-0 courtesy of a Dan James header after both sides were reduced to ten men and ahead of the rematch Roberts spoke about the need to plan for life without Bale.

The Burnley man told reporters: "We're without Gareth in this camp and there's going to be a time when he's moved on and he's not playing football any more. Gareth's not going to be around forever.

"You can't replace him, but when he's not here we have to play even more as a team, understand certain players and what they're good at and work towards that."

Roberts: We must step up

"We need other players to step up and now's the perfect time. We're going to need everyone playing as best they can on Friday and hopefully we get the win.

"We are not expecting whoever replaces him to have the career or do what Gareth Bale can do. But they need to show what they can do when they get the chance - not just in this game but in the many games to come."