Bale named in Coleman's Welsh squad along with Liverpool's Ben Woodburn
The Real Madrid attacker has just returned from an ankle injury before being suspended but should be back to full fitness for the international break.
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has been named in Chris Coleman's squad to face Ireland in dublin on March 24th.
The Welsh talisman was out of action for Real Madrid for a number of months with an ankle injury before returning with a goal against Espanyol. He was sent off against Las Palmas and recieved a two-match ban but is due back on Saturday for Real's trip the Bilbao.
Woodburn also named in Wales squad
Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn has also been named in Wales' squad for the first time.
"He's there on merit and we're looking forward to having him on board," Wales manager Chris Coleman told reporters on Thursday.
"He has done good things at Liverpool and everyone has been getting excited since he burst on the scene ... He won't be daunted by coming with us."
Wales are currently third in Group D with six points, four behind leaders Republic of Ireland. Only the team that tops their group gains automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The full Welsh squad for the World Cup qualifier:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessy (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Liverpool), Owain Fon Williams (Inverness).
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), James Chester (Aston Villa), James Collins (West Ham United), Joe Walsh (Milton Keynes Dons), Chris Gunter (Reading), Jazz Richards (Cardiff City), Neil Taylor (Aston Villa), Ashley Williams (Everton).
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Stoke City), David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Andy King (Leicester City), Tom Lawrence (Leicester City), Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), Shaun MacDonald (Wigan Athletic), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Hal Robson-Kanu (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Bradshaw (Barnsley), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Ben Woodburn (Liverpool). (Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Follow Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid coverage | LaLiga Sanrtander
