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BADGES OF HONOUR

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey lined up by Welsh FA to take elite coaching badges after the World Cup

GARETH BALE and Aaron Ramsey have been lined up by Wales to start their coaching badges after the World Cup.

The Dragons star duo will be offered places on the highly-rated courses run by the Football Association of Wales after talks in Holland last week.

The Welsh FA want Aaron Ramsey (left) and Gareth Bale to take their coaching badges after the World Cup
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The Welsh FA want Aaron Ramsey (left) and Gareth Bale to take their coaching badges after the World CupCredit: Getty

And the FAW hope Real Madrid forward Bale, 32, and Juventus midfielder Ramsey, 31, can inspire the next generation of players in Wales when they eventually hang up their boots.

Technical director David Adams said: "I was speaking to Gareth and Aaron away in Holland recently and they are really keen to do their coaching B and A licences in Wales - hopefully after the World Cup. I hope on the back of that we will be able to utilise their experiences to support our young players.

"I know Gareth and Aaron are extremely proud Welshman and I am sure they will be knocking my door down to come and speak to the players to get them advice and support.

"To have those people inspiring the next generation of young players is a fantastic asset to the future development of our game in Wales. It's great for us. 

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"I won't bother them before the World Cup about the coaching courses and coming to help on the player pathway. But I'll be getting onto them straight away after."

Bale stated last year on the eve of his 100th cap that he had no plans to become the manager of his country one day.

But the Wales captain hinted he had changed his tune before Tuesday's 3-2 Nations League defeat in Rotterdam when he was asked directly about his plans for life after football.

Bale said in his pre-match press conference: "I always want to be involved in Welsh football because I love the environment. Even when I do finish I will always be around to help with advice for players or whatever."

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Bale and Ramsey's Euro 2016 team-mates Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor have gone down the coaching route with the FAW as have current stars Joe Allen and Chris Gunter.

And Adams believes Wales' influential attacking pair have the skills to enter management or coaching one day if they want to. 

Adams added: "They are both natural leaders. They are naturally inspirational characters because of what they have achieved. It depends on them on what they want to do. 

"It's worth giving them the opportunity. The biggest thing is to give them an appetite for coaching to see if they enjoy it and if they are inspired and motivated by it then brilliant. Sometimes it's not for everyone. 

"They have the skills and passion but it will be down to when they get into the course whether they enjoy coaching because you have to put both feet in. It will be a challenge but I hope they do. I hope we can inspire them to be the next coaches. It will be a great thing for Welsh football if they are involved with player development or longer term be involved with the national team."

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