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Rhian Wilkinson’s Wales squad will celebrate Christmas early before aiming to unwrap the perfect present – qualifying for Euro 2025. Honours were even between Wales and the Republic of Ireland in the first leg of their Euro play-off final on Friday as Olivia Clark’s own goal cancelled out Lily Woodham’s fine strike for the hosts.

Wales insist they are ready to make history when they take on the Republic of Ireland in the first of a two-legged qualification battle on Friday night. The first meet will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night, which will give Wilkinson’s team the benefit of having the ever-growing Welsh crowd of supporters behind them, as they fight for a place at the 2025 Euros. But Ireland, who are ranked 24 in the world - five spots above Wales - pose a serious threat to the Welsh side’s dreams of making history by appearing at their first major tournament finals.

Few overseas players have made a bigger impact in Welsh rugby over the past couple of decades than Filo Tiatia. Now, the Ospreys legend is looking to make his presence felt once again - in his new role as Dragons interim head coach.

Rhian Wilkinson believes Wales should embrace their opportunity in the Euro 2025 play-off final as they aim to reach their first major tournament. While history beckons, captain Angharad James has underlined the importance of her teammates staying focused on the task at hand, rather than being overwhelmed by the occasion.

For someone who spent 20 years as a striker, Omer Riza didn’t make that many appearances. Just 136 in all, throughout a gently meandering career that took him from Arsenal to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League, via a few stops in between, and eventually ended at Harlow Town.

Wales’ Emma Finucane has revealed her goals for the second round of the UCI Track Champions League have changed. The two-time world champion is in the Netherlands this week to compete for Great Britain and defend her lead in the Women’s Sprint.

Craig Harrison insists The New Saints remain capable of making the Conference League knockout phase despite suffering a third group defeat. The Welsh champions lost 1-0 to Djurgarden at their temporary Shrewsbury base as their streetwise Swedish opponents called on all their European experience to prevail.

Cardiff City’s weekend fixture at Coventry City has suddently become the focus of most attention in the Championship after their hosts confirmed Frank Lampard as their new manager. The former Chelsea boss – who once had a loan spell as a player at Swansea City - has been appointed on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Luke Williams insists his Swansea City team must learn to win with more comfort if they are going to challenge for the play-off places. The Swans head coach was pleased with his team’s fast start in their 2-1 victory at Derby County which has taken them up to 11th place in the Championship, five points off the top six.

Omer Riza admitted Cardiff City might not have scored had they played all night following his team’s deflating 2-0 home defeat to QPR. The Bluebirds interim manager watched his team struggle against the Championship’s bottom club before Rangers earned a deserved victory.