Wales expect Ben Woodburn to ‘thrive’ in Gareth Bale’s absence

Wales teenager Ben Woodburn has been backed to “thrive” and fill the huge void left by Gareth Bale’s World Cup absence.

Real Madrid star Bale will miss the final two games against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland after being ruled out with a calf strain.

But David Edwards believes Liverpool youngster Woodburn — who scored the winner on his Wales debut against Austria last month less than five minutes after coming on as a substitute — could prove a trump card again this week.