Wales squad for vital World Cup playoff named - and there's some notable absentees

Wales boss Robert Page has named his 26 man squad for next week's vital World Cup playoff semi final match against Austria. The game, which kicks off at 7.45pm on Thursday March 24, will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium.

There are a couple of notable absentees from the squad, with first choice goalkeeper Danny Ward and centre forward Kieffer Moore missing out through injury. Gareth Bale is available however as well as Aaron Ramsey who made a return from injury with a cameo appearance for his loan club Rangers at the weekend.

Otherwise there are no real surprises in the squad selection and Page will be delighted with the quality he has at his disposal ahead of a vital game. The Cardiff City Stadium will be at capacity for the game with tickets selling out just days after going on sale.

Wales were originally scheduled to face either the winner or the loser of the Scotland v Ukraine match depending on the result of the Austria clash. Because of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine their game has now been postponed, with the match expected to be rearranged for June.

Here is Robert Page's 26 man squad to face Austria at the Cardiff City Stadium:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Burnley), Adam Davies (Stoke City), Tom King (Salford City)

Defenders: Ben Davies, Joe Rodon (Both Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Ethan Ampadu (Venezia), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Neco Williams (Fulham), Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United)

Midfielders: Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Aaron Ramsey (Rangers), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Will Vaulks (Cardiff City), Joe Allen (Stoke City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town)

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real