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Ryan Giggs expecting energetic response from Ireland after Euro 2020 loss

Ryan Giggs and his Wales side head to the Aviva Stadium after losing 3-0 to England
Ryan Giggs and his Wales side head to the Aviva Stadium after losing 3-0 to England

Wales manager Ryan Giggs is expecting an energetic response from the Republic of Ireland in tomorrow's UEFA Nations League clash in Dublin.

Stephen Kenny’s side saw their Euro 2020 hopes come to an end following a penalty shootout loss to Slovakia on Thursday night, but the former Manchester United winger felt that they were the better team on the night.

"They played well and were unlucky to lose," said Giggs.

"I thought they were the better team, with lots of energy and not giving you time on the ball.

"I expect the same and our concentration will have to be at its best, and when we get chances we need to take them.

"Our concentration has to be good and the squad has to be used. Three points is going to be tough, but if we do get them it will put us in a good position in the group."

Wales will be looking for their own reaction following their 3-0 loss to England in an international friendly at Wembley also on Thursday night.

All three goals came from crosses and Giggs believes his young squad will learn fast in seeking to build on the September wins over Finland and Bulgaria which took them to the top of Nations League Group B4.

"I was really happy with the way we started against England," Giggs said.

"We showed confidence on the ball and the pressing was good, but you can't give away soft goals.

"The players will learn. You don't have much time to work on it but we've evaluated it and have to make sure we are right and better."

Giggs accepts Wales have to defend better aerially after the Wembley defeat ended a run of four clean sheets.

Centre-back Chris Mepham, who had a difficult night against in-form Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, is a doubt after suffering a late knock at Wembley.

Giggs said Tottenham target Joe Rodon is "in my mind to start" and he may be paired with Swansea team-mate Ben Cabango at the heart of the Wales defence, although Ethan Ampadu could revert to the back four after playing in midfield on Thursday.

Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined the squad after missing the England match and is set to start a Wales game for only the second time in nearly two years.

Ramsey was part of Juventus' Covid-19 bubble following an outbreak at the Turin club, but Giggs must wait on Mepham and striker Kieffer Moore, as well as conceding that David Brooks and Daniel James are "not 100 per cent match fit".

"Aaron's trained all week with Juve, he's fit to play and in good shape," Giggs said. "He brings that experience first and foremost - we have a young squad - and he brings that something different that can unlock defences.

"They (Moore and Mepham) are struggling a little bit and it was a short turnaround.

"Kieffer had a problem with his toe and, towards the end, Chris has taken a knock to his knee.

"We're just going to give them as much time as possible. We won't take any risks but we're keen for them both to be involved."

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