Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is convinced that Wales can look forward to a bright future as a football nation.

The Welsh, who have failed to qualify for a major tournament since 1958, boast a series of stellar names in Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams and Bale believes the current crop can ensure that the country enjoy better success on the international stage than previous generations.

"We're heading in the right direction, we have a good group of young players, we are starting to see some results and we have got a bright future," the 24-year-old told Sky Sports News

"Hopefully we can get a lot of support behind us, have everybody and the media believe in us and hopefully we can achieve something we have not achieved for a long time."

Wales host Finland in a friendly in Cardiff on Saturday.