Gareth Bale is counting down the wins that could take Wales to next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.

The victory over Austria last Saturday left Wales two points behind the Republic of Ireland in second spot and four adrift of Group D leaders Serbia.

And Bale reckons victory in their final three games – starting in Moldova tonight – could see Chris Coleman’s men into second place in the group.

The Real Madrid ace said: “I said we had four finals to keep our hopes alive.

“If we win all four we’ll have a great chance of top spot, and if not we’ll get into the play-offs.

“One down, three to go. This is important too, we’ll be going into the match confident and prepared very well.

“We know they’ll make it difficult but we’ll do everything to get the points and put ourselves in an even better position.

“If I didn’t think we could do it qualify I wouldn’t be here.

“We all still believe we can do it. That’s the most important part.”

While Wales faced second from bottom Moldova in Chisinau, the Republic are at home to group leaders Serbia.

But Bale insists he is not concerned about what will happen in Dublin.

He added: “It’s going to be what it’s going to be.
“One team will drop points, maybe two. The most important thing is that we take care of our business.

“All we can do is look after ourselves.”

Bale also revealed he helped persuade teenage sensation Ben Woodburn to commit to Wales and reject England’s overtures.

The Liverpool striker became an instant national hero with his superb strike against Austria – just 261 seconds after coming on as a 69th-minute substitute.

But Woodburn – who turns 18 on October 15 – could have played for England as he had dual nationality having been born in Nottingham and brought up in Cheshire.

The Football Association made two enquiries to get Woodburn on board, even though he has been part of the Wales set-up since the age of 13 as he qualified through a maternal grandfather.

England manager Gareth Southgate responded to Woodburn’s incredible debut by saying it was ‘increasingly difficult’ to monitor every young player and that some countries were able to fast-track youngsters quicker.

And Bale said: ‘I remember meeting him (Woodburn) in one game, I think it was against Holland (in November 2015).

‘He was injured and he was sat in the box next to me as he’s with my agency Stellar.

‘I had a little chat with him then, getting (him) on board because obviously we knew he was a great player.

‘We’re delighted to have him – and he Welsh now anyway, he’s ours.’