The 3 key battles as Republic of Ireland host Wales on Friday

Ciaran Clark v Gareth Bale

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Wales’ Gareth Bale has been one of the best players in the world over the last few years, and has produced some sensational performances for his country as well.

The 27-year-old has scored 26 goals in 65 games for his country since his debut back in 2006, but 2016 was without doubt his most prolific in front of goal, scoring seven goals in 11 games for Coleman’s side, three of which coming in their run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

He is their talisman and the one they look at to make something happen out of nothing, and Republic of Ireland’s Ciaran Clark faces the unenviable task of trying to thwart the Welshman on Friday.

The Newcastle United centre-back has done well for the Magpies this season, helping them to top spot in the Championship, and he seems to have rediscovered his confidence after a shattering season at Aston Villa last time out.

And with Bale often playing more centrally for Wales, Clark will have to be at his very best to keep the Real Madrid man quiet and ineffective.

Ultimately, if you can keep Bale quiet, you more often than not keep Wales quiet.

Thus, this is a huge battle for Ireland, and one that if they can win, they could be looking at another three points.

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