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Giggs unveils 25-man Wales squad ahead of Ireland game as Euro 2016 scoring hero retires

Ireland face Wales in Cardiff next week.

LAST UPDATE | Aug 29th 2018, 2:49 PM

TEN PLAYERS FROM the Wales starting side that lost to Ireland in last October’s crunch World Cup qualifier are included in the squad for next week’s rematch in the UEFA Nations League opener.

The one exception is striker Hal Robson-Kanu who has announced his international retirements as Ryan Giggs prepares to work with his first competitive squad for the game in Cardiff.

pjimageWales manager Ryan Giggs will now have Hal Robson-Kanu available.Source: PA

Giggs takes his Welsh side into action next Thursday 6 September against Martin O'Neill's squad before they face Denmark in Aarhus on Sunday 9 September.

Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen are some of the key figures available to the Manchester United legend but Robson-Kanu, who scored that memorable goal in the Euro 2016 quarter-final against Belgium, has called it a day.

Hal Robson-Kanu is the only player from the starting side in that game in Cardiff, which was settled by a second-half James McClean goal, not included in this squad.

"I spoke to him yesterday and it was a difficult decision for him," said Giggs today.

"He's had a difficult six months, with the birth of his baby, and he wants to focus on his family and his club career.

"He's an icon in Welsh football with the goal he scored against Belgium and I wish him all the best."

Leeds United player Tyler Roberts is called up to the senior squad for the first time while Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett is recalled for the first time since 2016. Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu returns to the squad from injury. 

The Ireland match will mark the first competitive outing with Giggs at the helm after he was in charge for friendlies against China, Uruguay and Mexico since he was appointed earlier this year.

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