Robert Page dedicates Wales' World Cup qualification to Gary Speed after win over Ukraine

Wales boss Robert Page paid tribute to legendary former Wales player and manager Gary Speed after his side secured the national team's first World Cup appearance in over 64 years. Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium to secure their place at the tournament in Qatar later this year.

Page paid tribute to the late Gary Speed and credited him with the resurgence in fortunes for the national side. Speaking to North Wales Live just after the 1-0 victory which secured their qualification, the Wales boss went on to talk about the "change in mentality" amongst the players in recent years.

Wales overcame their opponents by the tightest of margins, as a Gareth Bale strike was deflected in by Andriy Yarmolenko. The hosts saw the game out, mainly thanks to some heroic defending and also some tremendous goalkeeping by Wayne Hennessey.

The Wales boss insisted it was the work of the legendary Speed that made this golden age of Welsh football possible. He also praised Chris Coleman for continuing Speed's legacy.

Page said: "I said in the build up, Gary Speed started this 12 years ago. I want to dedicate this to Gary.

"He started the culture 12 years ago, there was a difference, there was a change. The environment completely changed and I've inherited that.

"Chris Coleman took it on and took it to another level. I've inherited the group."

Page added that there is a belief now that Wales can remain a regular participant in international tournaments. This year's World Cup will be their third international tournament in six years.

Page said: "We're confident going into games now, we don't hope to qualify for the Euros or the World Cup now we believe we can do it. There's been a massive change in the mentality.

"I had a