World Cup play-offs: Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland aiming to go a step closer to reaching tournament

Harry Wilson is not the new Gareth Bale, but he's doing the job of Bale at his best, especially for Wales.

Fans have long been excited about Wilson's natural talent, but are now seeing his influence in the Premier League on a weekly basis for Fulham. This season, he has 10 goals and six assists for club, while for country, his stats are even better with five goals and two assists in his last five games.

If Wilson starts running the show, his confidence will feed to the other players and to the home crowd, and Wales will be very difficult to stop on their own patch.

Craig Bellamy wanted to create an identity for Wales when he took over as head coach. It's now clear: he wants front-foot football coupled with intensity and energy.

Bellamy doesn't always see that in international football as he finds it slower at times compared with club football, but his Wales side will not be ponderous. You could see during the qualification campaign that Wales' intensity in winning the ball back very quickly and holding possession grew. Now it's about consistently doing it.

Apart from consistency in play, there needs to be consistency in selection. Much is always made about the 'spine' of a good team, from the goalkeeper to the glory hunter! Leeds United provide a fair chunk of Wales' spine with 'keeper Karl Darlow on form and in receipt of the No.1 keeper's jersey. Joe Rodon is the rock at centre-back that success relies upon, while team-mate Ethan Ampadu's versatility means he can link anywhere between defence and midfield. Throw in one of the in-form Premier League stars, Harry Wilson, and a strong spine can take a team a long way.