Gareth Bale headlines Wales squad for 2022 World Cup

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid man has admittedly not been at 100% recently, despite scoring a pivotal goal for his side in their recent MLS Cup Final victory against the Philadelphia Union.

However, Bale's place in the Dragons' squad for the World Cup was never in doubt, and the 33-year-old - as expected - will wear the captain's armband for Wales' first World Cup in 64 years.

There are no monumental shocks in Rob Page's ranks, with Bale being joined by other high-profile picks such as Aaron Ramsey, despite the Nice man's fitness woes this season.

Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen has also earned a call-up, with Page having no doubts over his selection in spite of the serious hamstring injury he suffered earlier in the autumn.

"He's one of those from 2016 when they had the success and when he was playing really, really well Wales were winning games. Again he's earned the right to be there," Page told BBC Wales.

"It's not ideal if I'm honest but we're giving every opportunity to get him fit to get into the starting eleven for the first game. I spoke to him two days ago and he's in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to it.

"There's a couple of other players in a similar boat but Joe's been so important to me overall the last couple of years - how I want to play and how he sits in front of the back four."

A strong Premier League contingent has been named in Page's squad, with as many as nine players currently plying their trade in England's top flight earning a place on the plane to Qatar.

Dan James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson and Kieffer Moore will be among those vying for opportunities in the Wales attack alongside Bale, while goalkeepers Wayne Hennessey and Danny Ward have been called up alongside Adam Davies.

However, there is no space in the squad for Leeds United's Tyler Roberts or Rangers' Rabbi Matondo, with the former's recent injury counting against him, and Page has admitted to some "uncomfortable" conversations with those who have not made the cut.

"He's had a little injury, he's been pushing hard to get back and it was tough having to tell him he hadn't made the 26-man squad," Page added.

"The worst part of this job is disappointing the ones that are not in the 26. The others I've not phoned to tell them they're in, I'd rather them see it when you guys do as well.

"That's going to be nice for them to see but on the other side of it there's always going to be someone who's disappointed. I've had a couple of uncomfortable conversations - some through injury, some through choice."

Wales will take on England, Iran and the USA in Group B and will begin their first World Cup finals campaign since 1958 against the latter on November 21.

WALES 2022 WORLD CUP SQUAD IN FULL

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Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City).

Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town).

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest).

More to follow.